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

The future spells contract packaging

The contract packaging business is moving from an ad-hoc to a more strategically determined, long-term approach, as cosmetic companies worldwide begin to relax in the arms of service providers.

Agreement on another strong quarter for P&G

Proctor & Gamble looks set to fulfill its forecasts for its fiscal first quarter, as financial analysts back up the positive outlook ahead of results being published later today.

Biotech company develops anti-aging molecule

Canada-based biotechnology company ProtoKinetix says it has developed a family of synthetic anti-freeze glycoproteins which it says can provide anti-inflamation, anti-aging and UV protection for a variety of skin care applications.

Avon profits hit by ad spend and tax fee

Despite sales rising significantly, profits at Avon have been hit by a rising ad spend, restructuring costs and charges relating to a tax dispute in the company's UK arm.

Life science and pharma companies forge naturals alliance

Tapping into the big trend for natural-based cosmetic and health products, two contract research organizations - US-based Santerra Pharmaceuticals and India-based Vedic Lifesciences - have formed an alliance to expand into the growing market in North America.

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Nanotechnology safety: Back under the microscope

The debate on nanotechnology continues to rage. For every expert claiming that the nanotechnology application they have developed is safe, there is one claiming that caution and further research have to be undertaken. So who is right?

Banana Republic deal drives Inter Parfums sales

On the back of its new shipments to Banana Republic stores and higher Burberry sales, Inter Parfums has reported a 19 per cent hike in sales, prompting it to increase its outlook for the 2006 financial year.

Grape seed extracts could improve skin from within

A dietary supplement of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) could reduce reddening of the skin by 13 per cent, scientists from Hamburg-based Bioskin GmbH have reported, research sure to be welcomed by Europe's burgeoning oral beauty products sector.

Janson Beckett launches competitively-priced peptide treatment

Peptide-based treatments have been all the rage for some time now, but pricing has kept such products out of the reach of the majority of consumers. However, Janson Beckett claims its latest launch is about to change this.

Regis forms naturals joint venture

Regis, the leading global hair care provider, has announced a joint venture with Intelligent Nutrients, part of the Horst Rechelbacher group, in a deal that will see the companies co-operating to manufacture and distribute a line of organic hair care and personal care products.

CTFA holds conference over new compliance code

Industry trade group, The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) is holding a conference in New Jersey, US in November in order to drive home the impact that its new commitment code will have for cosmetic based companies.

Procter and Gamble to resume sale of SK-II cosmetics in China

Proctor & Gamble is to resume sales of its SK-II cosmetics line after China authorities confirmed that levels of toxic heavy metals found in the formulation were harmless, a state press report says.

Kimberly Clark restructuring puts it on growth path

Kimberley-Clark has reported a significant boost in net sales and income, with particular strength in the personal care sector, helped by major cost reductions throughout the company.

IFF splits business into flavours, fragrances units

International Flavours and Fragrances (IFF) is to separate its business into two different units in a bid to better reflect its flavour and fragrance operations.

Meadwestvaco upgrades premium secondary packaging

Connecticut-based MeadWestvaco has launched an enhanced version of its Crescendo gradeline paperboard that improves print quality and overall appearance of secondary packaging, as well as adding more diversity to the range.

Novelist targets fast-growing celebrity fragrance market

Best-selling romance novelist, Danielle Steel, has embarked on a new business venture, branching out into the fragrance industry with the launch of her new perfume 'Danielle by Danielle Steel', developed and marketed by Elizabeth Arden.

Parlux stakeholder hints at take-over

Glenn Nussdorf, who has a 10.5 per cent stake in troubled fragrance player Parlux, has made an SEC filing stating his intentions to acquire a controlling stake in the company as a business combination transaction to prevent it from being sold off piecemeal.

Ethnic consumers go mass market

Ethnic-specific cosmetic products have seen a 19 per cent sales gain over 2001 figures, with the niche market said to be at nearly $1.9 bn. However, the ethnic consumer looks to be increasing their spending on general market cosmetics, therefore encouraging mass-market companies to incorporate ethnic ranges within their product lines.

Review says tooth-whiteners are effective, but only in short-term

A new review conducted by the University of Michigan claims that tooth-whitening products do what they claim, but that the effects are only short-term, with the effects of longer-term use still remaining unknown.

Many more companies targeting fast-growing nutricosmetics industry

Following the growing trend for products that aim to provide beauty 'from within' more companies are establishing product lines to target the fast-growing nutricosmetics niche market.

Niche male cosmetics market on the rise

A Research and Markets report has emerged highlighting the growing trend for male grooming, detailing the particular increase in particular niche products.

Color for cosmetics helps boost Sensient results

Sensient Technologies, supplier of fragrances and colors for cosmetic products, has reported a significant increase in both its sales revenue and its net profits on the back of strong activity in both the US and China markets.

AVVAA announces financial loss, promises turn around

Global biotechnology company, AVVAA World Health Care Products has announced a loss for the three months, ending August 31 2006, but the launch of a new skin care line and increased marketing activity could soon turn things around.

L'Oreal growth still strong but US performance trails

L'Oreal has reported continued strong growth for its second quarter, ending in September - but the US market proves tougher as retail conditions and distribution problems continue to make it a challenging market in which to remain competitive.

Licensing laws could see Russian fragrance prices double

Fragrance prices look set to double in Russia due to a backlash from licensing laws introduced in July regarding the percentage of alcohol contained in fragrances and other household goods.

FDA meeting highlights shortfalls on nanotechnology regulation

The need for tighter regulations on the use of nanotechnologies in unregulated cosmetic and pharmaceuticals was again called into question at a meeting called by the US Food and Drug Administration this week.

Annual holiday survey shows moderate increase in fragrance sales

Leading consumer and retail information company, NPD Group, has released the 2006 annual holiday survey showing a 2 per cent increase in intended fragrance sales for 2006, as traditional gifts come back into fashion.

SDA opens online registration for annual meeting

The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) has opened up online registration for its 81st annual meeting and industry convention, to be held in Boca Raton, Florida, 30 January - 3 February, 2007.

Perry Ellis says no to sale of Parlux fragrance license

Parlux Fragrances has confirmed that its number one licensed fragrance brand is not up for sale. The news came following a decision made by Perry Ellis International (PEI) that it would not give its consent to the sale.

Record keeping rule to come into effect

Starting next year food processors and cosmetic manufacturers will be required to keep records to show that their products are not manufactured using prohibited animal parts.

Malaysia agrees plans to create rice based cosmetics

Rice based cosmetics are again making an impact on the beauty industry, with the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) in Malaysia having agreed a proposal to embark on a joint venture with a local company in Kedah.

Jane Cosmetics targets the natural market with new beauty range

American cosmetics manufacturer, Jane Cosmetics, has announced the launch of its new line, Be Pure Mineral make up, aimed at the fast growing natural and organic cosmetics market.

CCA turns on a strong third quarter

New Jersey-based CCA industries, a marketer of niche beauty and health products, has announced a considerable increase in its third quarter sales that is helping to drive the company towards its goal of acquiring further brands.

IGI prepares for possible takeover

New Jersey-based IGI, a developer of technologies for skin care applications, is making clear moves in preparation for a takeover, after the company's financial representatives stated that some of its past clients may be interested in investing in the company.

Cosmar embarks on international expansion

On the back of rising international demand for contract manufacturing services, Dutch-Indonesian company PT Cosmar says it is embarking on a second round of expansion to meet customer demands.

Packaging company responds to security risk

New York-based packaging company Nalgene has responded to the problem of traveling on transatlantic with cosmetics by offering a range of bottles and jars that fulfil tightened security regulations at US airports.

Besame Cosmetics triples its annual revenue

New York based firm, Besame Cosmetics, is taking the niche cosmetic market by storm, with its annual revenue tripling in recent months thanks to strong internet sales and expansion into the European market.

Are we set for a 'microsegmentation' backlash?

In recent years one of the key developments in western European and North American markets has been extensive and continued segmentation of categories or microsegmentation. But the latest market research suggests that consumers might have had enough of all that now.

FDA not 'nano-ready', says report

A former FDA deputy commissioner for policy has denounced the agency's capacity to properly regulate nanotechnology products including supplements, a criticism that could inflame debate leading up to the agency's first major public meeting on the atomic technology.

Inter Parfums signs up jewelry brand

Leading fragrance provider Inter Parfums says that the French arm of its business has signed an agreement to make and distribute fragrance and related bath and body products for jewelry brand Van Cleef & Arpels.

Revlon secures credit life line

As expected troubled cosmetics player Revlon has amended it bank credit agreement as a means of securing its short-term stability after the company chose to withdraw its much maligned Vital Radiance cosmetic line for old women.

GE sells it silicones business to US investment firm

Global manufacturing and services provider General Electric has sold its GE Advanced Materials business, which includes its activities in the silicones area, to Apollo management company for $3.8bn.

Avon CEO says savings from restructuring will be reinvested

With Avon in the midst of a major restructuring CEO Andrea Jung says that savings are going to be poured back into the company's future, with research and development, the internet and advertising targeted for major investment.

Korean authorities say P&G cosmetics safe

Following a pan-Asian scare regarding heavy metal content in Procter & Gamble's SK-II skin care line, South Korean authorities have said that it has found only traces of the suspected substances and says 'it is too little to worry about.'

ISP acquires German encapsulation business

US-based International Specialty Products has acquired the encapsulation business of German company geniaLab BioTechnologie - Produkte und Dienstleistungen - as well as signing a strategic alliance that should boost the position of both companies in the market for personal care encapsulation.