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

“Extreme ethical” emerges as new cosmetics trend

According to Mintel, ‘extreme ethical’ is set to be a major cosmetics trend for 2009, with many cosmetics companies seeking to become advocates for social change.

Cognis reports sharp drop in quarterly sales

German specialty chemicals firm Cognis has posted a net loss of €33m for the first quarter following a sharp drop in turnover.

News in brief

ESS Technologies introduces end-of-line packaging machinery

ESS Technologies has developed a machine combination for packing and palletizing to help manufacturers save both time and space.

P&G announces cautious 2009 financial guidance

Procter & Gamble (P&G) has released earnings expectations for 2010 that failed to live up to Wall Street estimates but shares in the company remained steady.

Noveon promises to make life easier for formulators

Noveon Consumer Specialties has upgraded its website and launched themed prototype kits in an attempt to make the formulating process clearer and easier.

Parabens' bad press based on flawed science, says industry insider

The removal of parabens by some cosmetic manufacturers is a reaction to “outrageous claims” made by the media and pressure from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), not consumer pressure, according to Dene Godfrey from S Black.

Dispatches from Cosmetic Science Symposium

Green chemistry can help industry reduce its environmental impact

The industry must change the way it thinks about waste and traditional chemistry if it wants to reduce resource use, according to a green chemistry consultant.

BSB Innovation Awards reveal latest cosmetic inventions

Symrise, Arch and Juvena picked up the prizes at this year’s BSB Innovation Awards for cosmetic ingredients and finished products.

Health groups push Johnson & Johnson on 'toxic' chemicals

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) and 40 other charitable organizations have delivered a letter to Johnson & Johnson (J&J) calling for the removal of ‘toxic’ ingredients from its products.

Colorful carrier system for ingredients now in natural form

Natural spherical beads combine a carrier system for active ingredients with visual impact for natural products, according to manufacturer Induchem.

News in brief

Wacker’s expanded cyclodextrin facility opens

Germany-based chemical supplier Wacker has started production at its newly expanded cyclodextrin production site in Eddyville, Iowa.

Short-term future for US personal care looks sluggish

The US personal care market looks set to remain stagnant over the next two years, but is expected to pick up afterwards as the downturn wears off.

Weekly comment

Being organic or natural won't necessarily make a product green

Contrary to popular belief, organic and natural cosmetic ingredients are not necessarily more environmentally friendly.

Transparent Packaging develops scented packaging

Transparent Packaging has developed packaging which can be made to smell like the product inside.

Indian cosmetics market has a healthy glow

Latest forecasts and market developments indicate that the Indian cosmetics market is set to resist the recession and continue on a high growth path.

Dow Corning silicone blends work with wider ingredients range

Dow Corning, the US-based skin and hair care formulation company, has developed two patented silicone organic elastomer blends that can be used with polar organic ingredients.

Big sales fall for Parlux as international markets slow

Global fragrance provider Parlux has announced a 30 percent drop in its fourth quarter sales as its international markets bear the brunt of the economic downturn.

News in brief

Ascent Nutrition launches probiotic beauty supplement

Ascent Nutrition has launched a beauty supplement containing probiotics, cranberry seed oil and fish collagen peptide.

Polish drugstores benefit from increased sales of mid-priced cosmetics

A new report by PMR analysts has found that drugstore chains in Poland are strengthening their hold on the market, reflecting increased consumer demand for mid- priced cosmetics.

Cognis opens new affiliate to grow Indian business

Cognis has opened an affiliate in India following the successful establishment of a liaison office in the country last year.

New organic ingredients allow different types of formulations

A range of new organic surfactants, emulsifiers and preservative alternatives should make life easier for organic formulators, claims manufacturer Earth Supplied Products (ESP).

ISP describes how business reorganization will affect R&D

ISP recently announced a reorganization of its business with the aim of making its research and development operations more efficient. CosmeticsDesign.com spoke to marketing director Joël Mantelin to discuss how the changes will affect the speed to market of ISP’s products.

News in brief

Portola Packaging appoints new CEO

Portola Packaging has appointed a new CEO and president from paperboard packaging firm Graphic Packaging International.

Dispatches from Cosmetic Science Symposium

Cosmetic scientists ask if cosmetics of the future could replace surgery

In 30 years time will consumers be popping pills, applying creams or going under the knife in the fight for eternal youth?

Subnil launches its fastest ever tube filler

Tube packaging specialist Subnil has launched its fastest tube filler to date with a capacity to produce up to 300 tubes a minute.

dispatches from suppliers' day

Organic preservatives come at a cost, but formulators are now willing to pay

At Suppliers’ Day in New Jersey last week CosmeticsDesign.com spoke to Kris Kudrnac of K3 Corporation who explained how the industry is experiencing a “mad rush” for natural and organic preservatives.

HallStar launches free online webinars

Chicago based specialty chemistry company, HallStar, has launched a series of online webinars to ‘educate’ formulators on how to integrate new chemical technologies into plasticizer and personal care products.

Coty closes two plants, formerly owned by Del Laboratories

Coty is closing two manufacturing plants in North Carolina to protect its profits against the financial fallout from the recession.

Organic certification boom results in confusion and lawsuits

Several new organic and natural standards have been launched over the last 18 months on both sides of the Atlantic. CosmeticsDesign.com talked to Amarjit Sahota, director of Organic Monitor, to get under the skin of the “certification wars”.

News in brief

Cosmoprof Asia predicts high attendance for 2009

Cosmoprof Asia, a cosmetics exhibition focused on the Asia-Pacific markets, is predicting a positive turnout for its 2009 event, having received a high number of confirmations for its 14th Edition.

Natural and organic leaders gather in New York

Leading names in the natural and organic cosmetics market gathered in New York earlier this month for the Natural Beauty Summit.

Dealmakers search for acquisition bargains in cosmetics and pharma

Corporate bargain hunters are looking for good buys in cosmetics and healthcare as the economic downturn throws up a range of acquisition opportunities.

AHPA presents case for organic cosmetics to be included in NOP

Michael McGuffin, President of the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), has lent his support to the CACC recommendation that the National Organic Program (NOP) should be amended to explicitly include cosmetics.

Bosch launches new, more efficient, carton machine

Bosch Packaging Technology has developed new cartoning machine, which it claims to be faster, more adaptable and with improved security features than its previous CUT 120 model.

Arylessence expands range of organic and natural fragrances

Fragrance house Arylessence, has launched a broader selection of 100 per cent certified organic fragrances, which builds upon their existing collection.

Top three stories this month

Hallstar claims to have broken new ground in sunscreen formulation

Specialty chemicals player Hallstar has launched a new photostabilizer at the Suppliers’ Day show in New Jersey to help sunscreen formulators combine two important active ingredients.

L’Oreal loses legal battle against Ebay in France

Online auction site Ebay has achieved an important victory against cosmetics brand L’Oreal over the sale of counterfeit perfumes.

Dispatches from suppliers’ day

Organic ingredient launches only just starting to match marketing buzz

Organic alternatives to certain synthetic ingredients have been elusive. Peter Boncelet from Earth Supplied Products explains why organic cosmetics have yet to fully live up to the marketing hype but suggests that chemistry is starting to catch up.

dispatches from suppliers' day

Suppliers’ Day 2009 creates a buzz in face of economic gloom

The two day event closed its doors at the Raritan Center, New Jersey yesterday, having sold all its exhibition space and attracting a solid attendance.

News in brief

Competition opens for HBA International Package Design Awards

Entrance is now open for the International Package Design Awards (IPDA), which showcases the best cosmetics packaging from around the world.

Helen of Troy ends fiscal year with sizeable loss

Helen of Troy has suffered an $88m fourth quarter loss after incurring a $99.5m impairment charge related to loss of goodwill and intangible assets.

News in brief

YouTube sparks new cosmetics business model

Online video broadcaster YouTube has been used to launch a new make-up line from Lauren Luke, a 27 year old mother of one, turned internet sensation, from South Shields, UK.

Skin health trend drives the new foundation boom

Foundation sales have leapt up over the past year prompting industry commentators to embrace foundation instead of lipstick as the ultimate recession beater.

Cosmetics advertisers must get tough on regulators and sharp on data

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in the UK has snared some of the biggest cosmetics names in regulatory traps because of their advertising claims. CosmeticsDesign.com spoke to Chris Gummer from Cider Solutions to discover who is to blame for the high number of guilty verdicts.

dispatches from suppliers' day

Eastman showcases green emollient esters

Chemicals giant Eastman is using Suppliers’ Day to promote its emollient esters platform for leave-on skin care products.

Start-up explores new selling strategy for beauty supplements

Functionalab, a nutricosmetics start-up company, has developed a new strategy for marketing beauty supplements that puts the accent on education and consultation.

DISPATCHES FROM SUPPLIERS' DAY

Almond oleosomes are natural moisturizing emulsifiers, says Botaneco

Oil-seed specialist Botaneco has launched an almond version of its oleosome product at this year’s Suppliers’ Day in New Jersey.

Moisturising power of shea butter highlighted by scientific studies

Swedish company AAK says it has confirmed the moisturising power of shea butter, which is often claimed but has never been tested.

Rexam restructures plastics packaging operations

Rexam is restructuring its plastic packaging operations following “sustained weakness” in personal care and closures this year.

Choice raises alarm over regulation of cosmetics advertising

Australian consumer watchdog Choice claims that the Australian standards and advertising boards are not doing enough to regulate cosmetics advertisements, which often dazzle the consumer with scientific language and unsubstantiated claims.

Nature-identical fragrances could be a greener option, says IFF

Nature-identical fragrances are a way to capture the fragrances from nature in an environmentally sustainable way, claims IFF.

News in brief

Scienceuticals builds 55,000 sq foot factory in Nevada

Scienceuticals has built a new R&D, testing and manufacturing facility in Nevada to double its production capacity and extend its research capability.

Scientists map oil palm genome in quest for higher productivity

Researchers have created the first genetic blueprint of oil palms, an important step in improving the productivity and sustainability of oil palm production.

News in brief

IFRA engages new laboratory for compliance program

IFRA has appointed a new international testing laboratory, Eurofins Scientific, to carry out third party independent analysis for the IFRA compliance program.

Top three stories this month

Destocking: It's the perfect excuse for poor performance

Cosmetics companies looking for something to blame for poor financial results are turning to the ever so convenient excuse of destocking.

Elizabeth Arden posts gloomy guidance for fiscal year

Elizabeth Arden has posted gloomy guidance for the financial year after weakness in travel retail and unfavorable exchange rate fluctuations hit third quarter results.

Aveda wins ‘cradle to cradle’ certification

Organic cosmetics company Aveda claims to be the first beauty company to earn ‘cradle to cradle’ certification.

Added-value and eco-packaging key trends in fragrance

Eco-friendly packaging, added-value and food-based ingredients are likely to be key factors permeating the fragrance segment, a new report says.

News in brief

Swine flu and poor travel retail sales to hit Elizabeth Arden

A slowdown in travel created by the swine flu outbreak, compounded by already weak travel retail sales is likely to hit Elizabeth Arden results, an analyst says.

Symrise restructures as first quarter profits suffer

Symrise is closing a production facility in Spain as part of restructuring plans which aim to improve the company’s bottom line.

L'Oreal reports limp sales as luxury takes a tumble

L’Oreal reported flat first quarter sales but differences between divisions were marked with luxury and professional product sales being the hardest hit.

Dispatches from Vitafoods

Hydrolysed collagen may boost beauty from within: Rousselot studies

Daily supplements of a hydrolysed collagen may improve skin hydration by 28 per cent, and reduce the wrinkles by 30 per cent, say two new studies from Rousselot.

Do nanoparticles penetrate the skin?

According to Professor Tilman Butz who led the NANODERM project, the answer to is no, not in healthy human skin. The project looked at the dermal penetration of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and Butz concludes that as they don’t seem to cross the skin barrier they are safe to include in sunscreen products.

Unilever's quarterly sales figures beat expectations

Unilever has reported better than expected first quarter sales figures but the company admitted that some switching to private label goods had affected turnover.

Study shows berry acid to be effective against wrinkles

Ellagic acid derived from berries has been shown to be an effective anti-wrinkle treatment, a study by scientists in at Hallym University in South Korea has suggested.

Naturex targets cosmetics with new range of actives

Naturex steps up its focus on cosmetics with the release of the first three ingredients in its NatBeauty range.

Professor discusses potential of 3D skin model to test cosmetic ingredients

The ban on animal testing for cosmetics ingredients introduced in Europe earlier this year has highlighted a lack of alternative testing methods. CosmeticsDesign spoke to Professor Zee Upton, from the Queensland University of Technology, whose model developed for investigating wound healing, may also be used to test cosmetic ingredients.

NYSCC Supplier’s Day opens doors next week

NYSCC Supplier’s Day, one of the leading events dedicated to North American cosmetic and personal care formulators will kick off its two day show in Edison, New Jersey on May 12.

Diamond Packaging turns to wind power, weight loss and recycling

Diamond Packaging has turned to wind power, weight loss and recyclable materials to create a greener package for Highland Lilac Perfume.

News in brief

Labeling changes for botulinum toxin issued by FDA

The US FDA has changed the labelling requirements for botulinum toxin products and has issued guidelines to health care professionals who administer the injections.

BASF reports sales slump and cuts 2,000 jobs

BASF has announced plans to cut about 2,000 jobs by the end of the year after first quarter sales fell sharply.

Beiersdorf blames retail destocking for poor Q1

Beiersdorf first quarter results were hit by poor sales in its Western European and US markets, which the company blamed on retailer de-stocking.

Estee Lauder results show better underlying trend

Financial markets responded positively to Estee Lauder results, which beat expectations as Asian markets and premium cosmetics showed their mettle.

Senator introduces bill calling for tighter controls on baby care products

US Senator Kristen Gillibrand has introduced a new bill calling for tighter controls and regulations on the ingredients that go into baby care products.

News in brief

FDA flags up filth at P&G Olay factory

A Proctor & Gamble (P&G) factory in Puerto Rico that manufactures Olay skin care products has failed to meet federal operating standards, according to the FDA.

Avon sales suffer from a slump in US sales and a stronger dollar

Weak domestic sales and a stronger US dollar have dragged down Avon’s first quarter results.

News in brief

Bare Escentuals reports big fall in sales

Mineral cosmetics maker Bare Escentuals reported an 11 per cent dip in first quarter sales and a 35 percent fall in net profits – but results were better than expected.

Health Canada publishes labeling guide on unusually packaged cosmetics

Health Canada has published an information sheet to clear up regulatory confusion surrounding cosmetics with small, ornamental, non-existent or odd packaging.

Estee Lauder profits hit by restructuring and sales dip

Cosmetics giant Estee Lauder says its third quarter was hit by rising costs from its restructuring plans as well as a 10 percent fall in sales.

Weekly comment

Boots’ independent efficacy trial gives it a winning hand over competitors

In today’s competitive marketplace, proving a product’s efficacy is an important way for manufacturers to set themselves apart from rivals, and double-blind placebo-controlled trials is one of the best ways of doing so.