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

UK cosmetics packaging company pulls out of China

The financial burden of setting-up a production plant in China has forced the owners of a cosmetics packaging firm to call in the administrators and sell the business.

International manufacturers seek EU organic certification

Due to the shortfall in legislation and regulation in the ever growing US organic and naturals market, manufacturers are increasingly looking to EU certification for product ranges.

Costs and ad spend hit Alberto Culver profits

Leading personal care player Alberto says that an increased ad spend and a rising costs have led to an 18 per cent drop in net profits, despite the fact that sales for the third quarter grew at well above market rates.

Drug delivery technology to be applied to anti-aging skin care

A US based drug delivery and skin care company announces a technology promising to improve the efficacy of common moisturization and exfoliation ingredients in anti-aging products.

Disney targets fragrance at Latin American boys

Disney's launch of a range of fragrances aimed at boys as young as four marks the development of an emerging trend.

Air travel takes on airless pump packaging

Tightening of air travel security has led to a plethora of packaging solutions that meet new criteria for personal care products, but one Florida-based company believes it has come up with a particularly sophisticated response.

Moroccan argan oil cosmetics bound for international markets

A recently established supplier of body care products based on argan oil, the increasingly popular natural ingredient, is to expand to the US.

FDA Task Force publishes Nanotech report

The FDA's Nanotechnology Task Force released their report yesterday including recommendations for how to address the regulatory challenges posed by the increasing use of nanoscale materials.

Colgate reports double-digit sales and profit growth

As savings from restructuring kick in, oral and personal care giant Colgate-Palmolive has reported a robust quarter, with sales significantly boosted by a raft of international product launches.

Is magazine revenue from cosmetic ads really rising?

Recently published figures showing strong revenue growth from magazine advertising for cosmetic goods paint a misleadingly rosy picture, say industry experts.

Pressure mounts for green packaging

With awareness of environmental issues mounting, consumers are on the look out for products that have a minimal impact on the environment, something that is putting packaging under the microscope.

Misleading L'Oreal mascara adverts banned in the UK

The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) in the UK has ruled that L'Oreal remove both the TV and the press adverts for their Telescopic mascara setting a new precedent for the industry as a whole.

Personal care leads growth for Kimberly-Clark

Dallas-based Kimberly-Clark has reported a significant increase in its second quarter sales, marked by particularly strong personal care growth in Europe and the emerging markets.

Questions still remain over market potential in Africa

The failure of the Tanzanian regulatory authorities to curb the spread of harmful cosmetic products raises the issue of Africa's suitability as an export market.

Rapidly growing nanotechnology product inventory

A nanotechnology product inventory shows a rapidly growing cosmetic products sector from a widening geographical base - underlining the increasing need for nanotechnology regulation on an international scale.

US consumers shun China-made cosmetics

Confidence in Chinese goods has reached crisis levels after a series of high profile product safety scares, according to a recent survey of US consumers.

Is the cosmetics industry going back-to-basics?

The micro-segmentation trend that has led to confusion among consumers is headed for a change, or will die out altogether as manufacturers go 'back-to-basics' a new report claims.

Study questions combination of sunscreen and insect repellent

An ongoing study being carried out by a research team at the University of Manitoba in Canada has drawn attention to the fact that a combination of insect repellent and sunscreen containing specitific ingredients may compromise the effectiveness of each product.

Listerine launches dissolvable whitening strips

Oral care giant Listerine is to be the first major brand to market whitening strips that are dissolvable and quick to use.

Tough competition forces retailers out of stores

A stagnant market and fierce competition from direct sellers have forced beauty retailers to resort to cut-throat behavior, according to a new market report.

New ingredient for the repair of photoaged skin

A recently patented ingredient based on naturally occurring skin lipids promises to reduce wrinkles and improve the texture of photoaged skin, reflecting further specialization in the anti-aging market.

Premium manufacturers benefit from increase in Indian air travellers

Prestige cosmetic manufacturers are predicted to begin adjusting their travel retail product ranges in an attempt to capitalise on increasing Indian consumers holidaying abroad.

More tainted toothpaste shows up in Illinois

Further consignments of tainted toothpaste have shown up in Chicago, after authorities there said they had confiscated over 1,000 tubes of toothpaste, much of it thought to be illegal counterfeit and gray market products.

Special interview

CTFA targets misinformation to counteract lobby groups

The increasing number of attacks by lobby groups on the US cosmetics and personal care industry means that it is time to fight back. CosmeticsDesign.com spoke to Dr John Bailey, executive vice president - science for the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA) about the approach being taken to redress the balance.

US demand for Boots skincare range soars

US consumers have joined in the frenzy for the UK's Boots No7 brand, with over half the Restore & Renew anti-wrinkle serum stock being sold out within the first 30 minutes at a CVS store.

Daily use of sunscreen may lower cancer risk later in life

A long-term Australian cohort study suggests that daily application of sunscreen may lower the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma years after treatment has stopped.

Cosmoprof focuses on natural and organic opportunities

The fifth annual Cosmoprof North America event has focused on giving fledgling suppliers of natural and organic cosmetic products further opportunity to enter the fast-growing US market.

Skin care helps drive J&J results

New Jersey-based pharmaceutical and personal care provider Johnson & Johnson says that one of the main driving forces behind its industry-leading sales growth has been sales of skin care products.

EWG report on chemicals in San Francisco Bay

The Environmental Working Group claims that 95 per cent of wastewater samples in the San Francisco Bay area are contaminated by hormone-disrupting substances, calling for a consumer boycott on cosmetics products and plastics containing the chemicals.

Call to regulate UVA protection in US sunscreen formulation

A campaign to update FDA legislation relating to standards for UVA protection on sunscreen formuations sold in the US has been launched by congresswoman Nita Lowey.

French perfumer creates online flagship store

A French perfumer has launched an online boutique following the success of its fragrance store, in turn riding the growing phenomenon for online shopping.

Beiersdorf plan more overseas acquistions

Personal care giant Beiersdorf is striving to stay abreast of competitors outside of Europe, with more acquisitions planned in China and the US.

Sensient results continue upward trend

Leading supplier of color and fragrances to the cosmetics industry, Sensient Technologies, has reported a continued strong increase in both sales and net profit, driven by strong industry sales and the sale of a non-core investment.

PhytoMelanin ups sunscreen antioxidant properties

California-based Jan Marini says it is launching a facial sun protector with antioxidant properties that enhance sunscreen and anti-aging qualities thanks to the active ingredient PhytoMelanin, a derivative of date palm fruit.

Energizer increases cosmetics footprint with Playtex buy

Consumer goods player Energizer has extended its position in the personal care market with the acquisition of Playtex Products, building on its presence in the sector with the Schick-Wilkinson Sword brand.

Makeup color matching by cell phone

Hewlett-Packard is developing a system of mobile color matching technology that promises to help consumers choose a foundation that perfectly matches their skin tone; offering the services of a mobile makeup advisor.

The Body Shop produces first cosmetics using sustainable palm oil

Growing concerns regarding irresponsible palm oil production has led The Body Shop to announce an initiative to introduce sustainable palm oil into cosmetic manufacturing.

Spain withdraws Chinese toothpaste from the oral care market

Spanish authorities have instigated an EU-wide response to hazardous toothpaste products originating from China, with the announcement that it is to withdraw certain brands from the Spanish market.

L'Oreal acquires major salon hair care provider

The US division of the world's largest cosmetics company has acquired Maly's West, the third largest beauty salon distributor in the US, as consolidation in the professional hair care market continues apace.

Packaging giant Alcan up for sale

Canadian global aluminum provider and packaging leader Alcan has received a bid from Anglo-Australian miner company Rio Tinted in a move that is likely to lead to the seperation of its mining and other businesses, which also focus on cosmetic packaging.

Grape-based facial skin range combines cosmeceuticals and organics

Herbwalk announces the release of its facial skin care line Le Vin, based on the antioxidant properties of wine grapes, that combines a patent pending cosmeceutical formulation with certified organic ingredients.

Cream perfume range harnesses moisturizing benefits of natural oils

A Californian perfumery company is launching a range of innovative cream fragrances formulated with perfume oils derived from France, creating formulations without alcohol.

Helen of Troy profit up as costs fall and sales jump

Cosmetics and household goods player Helen of Troy has reported a 51.5 per cent increase in its net profits, ending a prolonged period of results that have been impacted by increasing costs.

Estee Lauder buys up Canadian prestige hair care company

Estée Lauder has agreed to acquire Ojon Corporation, a privately held prestige hair care company based in Canada, in a bid to extend its reach in the naturals premium hair care category as well as increasing its distribution capabilities throughout North America.

Parlux receives fresh Nasdaq warning

Although an improved financial performance has helped raise the profile of Parlux Frangraces, a new warning letter about the late filing of its financial results suggests the company is still fighting to set its house in order.

Questions arise over regulation of eyelash enhancer

A number of eyelash enhancing products available on the US market may contain active ingredients found in glaucoma medication, drawing attention to ambiguities in the regulation of the 'cosmeceuticals' category.

Anti-wrinkle treatment targets male skin needs

French cosmetology company Sederma announces the release of its anti wrinkle treatment for men, targeting the growing market for male skin care products with a product line developed to treat the specific needs of male skin.

Soap nut billed as chemical-free detergent alternative

Naturally occurring saponins from the Indian soap nut tree are becoming increasingly popular as alternatives to chemical detergents tying in with the growing trend for natural personal care products.

US natural cosmetics go the mainstream route

The US market for natural and organic personal care products has long led the way, but now, as consumers demand sky rockets, the nations well-established players are ramping up production with increasingly innovative offerings.

US woman sues over fragrance toxicity

An employee of the city of Detroit is suing her employers over fragrance toxicity, claiming that modern fragrances contain chemicals that can lead to neurotoxicants, particularly in confined spaces with limited air flow.

US personal care companies bear counterfeit brunt

A recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation on how US consumer goods companies, including many personal care and fragrance makers, are suffering as the continued of infiltration of counterfeit goods hits sales, but there are solutions.

Research to uncover elderberry skin care benefits

A new study will be undertaken in the UK later this year to discover the nutritional benefits of elderberry fruit to the skin.

China mulls raising standards for oral care certification

In response to pressure from US and other worldwide regulation authorities, the China government has reported that it is developing stricter certification for oral care products.

Beiersdorf develop oxygen-based product range

Beiersdorf has added a new product to its booming Nivea Visage range that harnesses the power of oxygen as a skin care treatment for female consumers who lead a hectic lifestyle.

JH Partners increases cosmetics foothold

San Francisco-based private equity firm JH Partners has increased its investment in the cosmetics sector with the acquisition of its first hair care brand, Ouidad, adding to the recent acquisition of the Kate Somerville skincare brand.

Study suggests risk management is key to pricie pressure control

Manufacturers of consumer packaged goods, including personal care products, are responding to commodity price rises through risk management, product reformulation and innovation, according to a report by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA).

Novel hypoallergenic acne treatment based on skin lipids

The first ever acne treatment to use a synthetically produced lipid that replicates one found in human skin, significantly reduces acne whilst minimizing side effects, suggests a new study.

Skin care formulation based on volcanic sulfur targets acne

A prestige skin care provider is targeting the US market for acne treatments with the launch of a cosmeutical line comprising a kit containing four products based on volcanic sulfur and other ingredients indigenous to Indonesia.

Frutarom buys up US flavors and fragrance player Abaco

The US subsidiary of Israel-based flavors and fragrance player Frutarom Industries has bought Georgia-based Abaco for a $4m, in a deal that takes the company one step closer to boosting its position in the global market.

Colgate-Palmolive elects new CEO

Global oral and personal care player Colgate-Palmolive has announced that Ian Cook has taken over from Reuben Mark as CEO of the company as part of a long-term succession plan that will allow the out-going Mark to retire.

Natural hair loss formulations show up competition

Indian scientists have found a natural-based ancient Ayurvedic remedy for hair loss that outperforms the commercial competition, cashing in on the growing popularity for natural products and the extensive market for hair loss treatments.

New product line covers all current skin care trends

A new line of skin care products has arrived on the European and US markets that are said to abolish the need for cosmetic procedures to reverse the signs of ageing.

Forget your makeup brush, just point and spray

Japanese electronics company Matsushita, which is owned by Panasonic, has applied for a US patent on an electronic device, which relies on ink-jet technology to spray specific amounts of color cosmetics on to the face.

Failed acquisition hits CCA results

Health and beauty provider CCA Industries says its second quarter results have been impacted by significant transaction costs relating to the failed acquisition by Dubilier & Co.

Parlux releases unaudited results for fiscal 2007

Fragrance player Parlux has announced a significant increase in its sales for the 2007 financial year, but a net loss from its continuing operations marks a difficult year in which rapid expansion has seen its administration capabilities stretched to the maximum.

RFID labeler handles 50 cases per minute

A new system that encodes, verifies and applies radio frequency identification tags at speeds up to 50 cases per minutes, the manufacturer claims.