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

New class of biologic may bring psoriasis relief

New research presented yesterday has revealed that a new class of biologic drug may bring new relief to those suffering from the skin condition psoriasis.

Cosmetic manufacturers harness the power of Hemp

Hemp extract is becoming a focus for many manufacturers, who are are increasingly drawing on more innovative ingredients in a bid to shake up the over-saturated natural and organic market.

Study highlights confusion in US organics market

The US organic cosmetics industry is in a state of confusion due to the lack of auditing and regulatory controls for products sold under the naturals umbrella, according to a new study.

Sugar-free range developed to target chronic dry skin

A Portland-based personal care manufacturer has developed a sugar-free skin care product to treat consumers suffering with chronic dry skin.

Hair relaxers not linked to breast cancer in African-American women

Hair relaxers do not actively increase the risk of breast cancer in African-American women, according to a new study published this month.

Rembrandt re-brands with new packaging

Premium oral and beauty care brand Rembrandt, part of the Johnson & Johnson group, says it has re-branded by updating its packaging featuring a design that aims to rejuvenate its share of the tooth whitening market.

Internet aids US bath and body company's expansion into Canada

Esscentual Brands is using the Internet to expand its presence in the Canadian cosmetics market.

Pressure increases on China over trading standards

The recent scare over tainted toothpaste imported from China is forcing US authorities to mount pressure on the China government to impose restrictions and increase vigilance over imports of gray market goods that continue to flood North America.

More international companies target Latin American market

A Finnish cosmetics company is making in-roads into the Latin American market by striking up a new partnership with Farmacias Ahumada (FASA), a leading pharmaceutical chain in the region.

BioGin to launch resveratrol for weight loss

BioGin Biochemicals has announced it is launching resveratrol products primarily targeted at weight loss for the United States market.

Alima Cosmetics receives German naturals certification

Tapping into the fast-growing market for natural cosmetic and personal care products, Texas-based Alima Cosmetics has received the BDIH Certified Natural Cosmetics Seal for its line of 240 mineral make-up products.

Show highlights latest spa personal care trends

The Ex-Tracts expo, which will be highlighting the latest personal care trends in the rapidly growing spa, salon and specialty retail sector, is set to open its door in New York City this coming August.

Indian company moves in on US dermatology brands

Ranbaxy Laboratories Inc, the US subsidiary of Indian-owned Ranbaxy Laboratories, has acquired the US rights to 13 dermatology brands from Bristol-Myers Squibb, in a move that aims to develop the company's inorganic growth in the United States.

Symrise partnership set to capitalise on Marine ingredient trend

The trend for marine derived natural ingredients in cosmetics products is expanding, with leading global ingredients provider Symrise's recent partnership with Italian biotech company focusing mainly on the development of microalgae.

Guarana extract shows promise as preservative additive

Extracts from the exotic fruit guarana showed excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which could see the exotic berry making a move into cosmetics, new research suggests.

Sunless tanner taps into new dispensing technology

Texas-based Mystic Tan says it has enhanced the delivery of its sunless tanning product with the incorporation of MyMyst System, a dispenser that relies on single-use cartridges to provide a more even spray coverage.

Study finds Lutein most beneficial in combined oral and topical application

Further evidence has emerged that the antioxidant carotenoid, Lutein is more beneficial for skin health when topical and oral applications are combined, according to results published in the Journal of Skin Pharmacology and Physiology.

Male grooming backlash turned around by male cosmetics?

With the male grooming trend taken to the heart of many a marketing campaign, sales growth figures are said to have plateaued, with industry insiders now hoping that new innovations in the sector, such as male cosmetics, will turn the market around.

FDA blocks imports of China-made toothpaste

Following reports that imports of toothpaste from China to Central America and Australia contained a potentially lethal chemical, the US FDA says it has closed its border to all toothpaste imports from China.

Canadian lobby groups increase pressure over labeling

Mirroring campaigns run by lobby groups in the US, cancer groups in Canada are putting pressure on industry to update the labeling of personal care products in a bid to bring to consumers attention ingredients that might be potentially dangerous.

National Starch Personal Care gears up to formulators

At the recent Society of Cosmetic Chemists' Suppliers Day, the New Jersey-based company outlined two new technologies, as well as a new and more clearly defined business structure to better support formulators.

Gender and race increasingly drive US hair care

Demographics are increasingly shaping trends and growth patterns in the shampoo and conditioner segment, as a new market report points to the rise in male grooming and the ethnic populations as being key to future growth.

Module inspects sealing surface of glass bottles

A new machine attachment is designed to inspect the inside sealing surfaces of glass bottles for damage.

Distinctive fragrances win every time

That is the findings of sensory branding experts at Arylessence, whose latest fragrance trend report suggests that consumers choose scents according to their lifestyle.

L'Occitane continues to dominate US travel retail

Following the launch of the France based L'Occitane stores in the US airport DFW (Dallas Forth Worth) last year, the company has expanded its network in the Americas and will aim to open up 25 new airport retail stores by the end of 2007.

Scientists develop gene therapy for baldness

Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania say they may have overcome one of hair care's biggest obstacles, by developing a means of creating new hair cells on the skin of mice.

New study proves vitamin A fights wrinkles

A new study confirms that vitamin A can help to improve wrinkles associated with aging as well as promote the production of skin-building compounds, suggesting it could become an increasingly important ingredient in natural-based and cosmeceutical anti-aging lines.

Cosmeuticals company to launch anti-aging solution

California-based Sloan Cosmeceuticals, a start-up skin care company set up by Patty Sloan, is to develop an anti-aging line incorporating a new patented technology, which is set to be launched in association with Duquesa Marketing next year.

Unilever upgrades Asian distribution

Unilever continues to step up its operations within Asia with the inauguration of its new distribution centre in Vietnam.

Vitamins drive nail care market

Despite the nail care industry supposedly lacking innovation recently, a popular trend has emerged for premium nail products that incorporate vitamin and mineral properties - allowing for decorative and healthy nails.

Kate Moss targets hair care industry

UK supermodel Kate Moss is set to benefit from the personal care industry as she prepares to launch a hair care range later this year - following the success of her Rimmel campaign and her imminent skin care line.

Conditioners drive continued growth in the hair care market

As growth in conditioner sales drives the US shampoo and hair care market, a new report shows that bright packaging is winning consumers over as confusion rules when it comes to production differentiation.

Momentive targets personal care sector

Momentive Performance Materials says it is targeting the personal care market by delivering advanced technology and customized ingredient solutions in an attempt to carve out greater market share.

Anti-aging cream targets sunbathers

SolarChem Labs has launched an anti-aging cream formulated to help repair skin damage specifically caused by sunbathing, in a move that aims to bridge the gap between maintaining a tan and preventing the sun damage that can lead to wrinkling.

Personalized products set to grow, says market researcher

The concept of products 'made just for me' is set to gain importance with consumers in a general climate of reaction against mass marketing, according to trend spotter NMI.

AGI study proves anti-aging ingredient efficacy

AGI Dermatics has released comparative clinical data that claims to prove its L-ergothioneine (EGT) formulation technology can enhance the skin's anti-oxidant properties, in turn help treat photodamaged skin.

Momentive launches new silicone hair care ingredient

Connecticut-based Momentive Performance Materials has launched Silsoft Care 'quat' blend, formulated to provide conditioning performance for hair care products as well as providing added volume.

Burt's Bees lobbies for clearer guidelines on naturals

Natural and organic personal care provider Burt's Bees says it is aiming to tackle widespread confusion over natural cosmetic products by introducing a new industry standard for the US market.

Parlux confirms executive appointments

After months of uncertainty, leading fragrance player Parlux has confirmed two key appointments on its executive board, in a decision that has been applauded by the investment world and is likely to help put the troubled company back on track.

Multinationals focus on local business development in emerging markets

Major cosmetics giants such as Unilever, Procter and Gamble and Beiersdorf have all attributed Q1 sales successes in sales to emerging markets such as Eastern Europe. However companies are now being advised to think 'local' in their bid to come out on top.

Personal care player invests in supply chain solution

Farouk Systems, a Texas-based global professional hair care provider, has invested in ERP Adage, a software solution from Infor, in an attempt to enhance its supply chain management system and improve on production efficiencies.

Procter & Gamble realigns beauty unit

The world's largest consumer goods company has re-organized its business into three principal units - Beauty Care, Global Health & Well Being and Household care, in a bid to address the increased size of its business operations in recent years.

Helen of Troy quarterly profits rocket

Brand-name personal care provider Helen of Troy has announced a 46 per cent rise in its quarterly profits as restructuring and higher sales of personal care appliances help it hit the mark.

US natural players target UK market

An increasing number of US natural and organic personal care players are targeting the lucrative UK market as significant market opportunities, tied in with shared business and consumer cultures, help to drive the market.

New term coined as male grooming turns a corner

Male grooming has reached such heights that a new term has been coined for the section of men that are outside of the traditional brackets. The 'Ubersexual man' is said to be a potential goldmine for global manufacturers and marketers.

New ingredients targets preventative skin care market

As the market for anti-ageing products becomes over-saturated, companies are beginning to find new ways to entice the age-conscious consumer, with France based ingerdient provider Sederma releasing a new preventative ingredient.

Strong Q1 sees Inter Parfums raise forecasts

Continued strong sales of its new personal care lines for Gap and Banana Republic in the US are further enhanced by strong fragrance sales in Europe, prompting Inter Parfums to raise its expectations for the full year.

L'Oreal acquires US professional hair care brand

The US division of global cosmetics player L'Oreal has bought the professional hair care brand PureOlogy, in a move that gives it an even greater footing in the market for prestige color hair care treatments.

Chicago is least 'sun aware' city in US

New York and Washington D.C. have emerged as the most 'sun aware' US cities in a recent survey carried out by the American Academy of Dermatology with Chicago bringing up the rear - indicating the need for more education on sun care protection.

Cosmeceuticals focus

Cosmeceuticals not for everyone - Vitafoods told

Improving beauty from within via nutritional means is not for everyone, Dr. Marie Bejot, President of Laboratoire Oenobiol told attendees at Vitafoods, and should be used to address nutritional inadequacies.

New seal system promises sustainability

With its latest seal technology, Ceetak hopes to meet the growing industry demand for reduced cosmetic packaging waste.

Plagued skin care range receives US recognition

Premium skin and cosmetics range SK-II, by Proctor & Gamble, has received industry recognition in the US, which follows a ban of the range in China last year amidst fears of potentially harmful metals found in formulas.

Helen Of Troy buys up salon personal care provider

Texas-based personal care player Helen Of Troy has acquired Belson Products, the professional salon division of Applica Consumer Products, in a move that increases its footprint in this segment.

Restructuring and higher sales lower Revlon losses

New York-based cosmetic player Revlon said that a modest increase in sales and lower costs attributed to restructuring had helped it to narrow losses for its first quarter.

Study finds fragrance allergen testing needs to be more effective

Swedish scientists have discovered that skin patch testing on a widely used chemical in fragrance manufacturing may not be effective enough in detecting allergies caused by the ingredient.

HallStar acquires specialty chemical esters line

Chicago-based HallStar Company has acquired a personal care ester product line from Stepan Company in an effort to increase its capabilities in this area.

Playtex reports mixed results

Playtex Products has reported a steady increase in its profits and a more pronounced improvement in its net income as the benefits of its restructuring plan start to kick in, but strong skin care growth is weighed down by a disappointing quarter for the feminine hygiene business.

Elizabeth Arden sees profits and sales jump

New York-based luxury cosmetics player Elizabeth Arden reported a double digit jump in both sales and profits, results that topped expectations on the back of strong increases in fragrance and the Elizabeth Arden brand.

Unilever Q1 sales boosted by personal care division

Unilever yesterday said it achieved underlying sales growth of 5.4 per cent to €9.5bn during the first quarter, driven by the home and personal care sector.

Nivea brand boosts Beiersdorf Q1 sales

Strong sales in its leading Nivea brand has boosted German personal care player Beiersdorf's Q1 sales - following increases in sun products, deodorants and male grooming across all regions.

EC-US framework points to more cooperation on cosmetics

A new framework for economic integration between the EU and the US has been forged this week, which should see greater co-operation on a number of areas for the cosmetics industry, including animal testing and slashing trade barriers for suppliers.

Wal-Mart expands RFID use in stores

Wal-Mart will require suppliers to another 400 of its stores to use radio frequency identification (RFID) for tracking goods, adding to growing pressure on personsal care providers to invest in the technology.

Estee Lauder sees strong results, but US disappoints

New York-based Estee Lauder reported a 7 per cent increase in sales on the back of a strong performance in Europe and Asia, but the performance could have been even stronger if US sales had been better.

Sunless tanner gets the holy touch

Water is invariably the key ingredient in the vast majority of liquid-based personal care products, but now a US sun care provider has decided to include holy water from Lourdes, France, in its sunless tanning product.

P&G sales continue to boom, but investors disappointed

Procter & Gamble said that net quarterly sales were up 8 per cent to $18.69bn, driven by double-digit growth in the baby & family care division and high single-digit sales growth in the beauty and blades and razors division.

EU funds nano packaging research

UK supermarket chain Sainsbury's is part of an EU-funded project to develop biodegradable packaging using nanotechnology.

Premium manufacturers target teens and tweens

With the teenage demographic having more disposable income than ever before there has been a notable shift in cosmetic manufacturers' attitude towards the growing age group - in particular the premium end of the market.

Alcoa to examine disposal of packaging business

Alcoa said this week it would examine disposal of its packaging and consumer units, which together generate $3.2 billion in revenues for the company.

RFID standard passes shipping test

A new international standard for radio frequency identification technology (RFID) has passed the first test, according to the results of a pilot project tracking containers between Hong Kong and Japan.

Skin care company targets internet

Beauty care provider Bellezza Skin Care says it has relaunched its web presence with a new brand identity and domain name in an effort to tap into the increasing importance of beauty sales on the internet.