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

Shiseido strengthens Greek operations with joint venture

Shiseido has launched a joint venture with Greek cosmetics player Gerolymatos in an attempt to increase its sales in the country.

Cosmetics Directive amended to flag up hair dye allergy dangers

The European Commission has changed the labelling requirements for formulations that contain certain hair dye ingredients.

Sweden investigates cumulative exposure to chemicals such as parabens

The cumulative effects of potential endocrine disruptors such as parabens and phthalates are being investigated by Sweden’s environment ministry with conclusions to be presented before the end of its EU presidency.

P&G consumers return, boosting both sales and profits

Procter & Gamble appears to have turned the corner having posted first quarter results that beat market expectations.

Avon sales up but results dragged down by strong US dollar

A strong US dollar offset the effect of sales increases for direct seller Avon leaving the profits down significantly on last year’s figures.

Higher prices boost 3Q profits for Colgate

Colgate-Palmolive’s third quarter results show that its consumers did not shy away from higher prices as both sales and profits continue to rise.

Printpack launches shrink film to protect products from light, at lower cost

Printpack has developed a new PETG film with a light protection barrier to help personal care and beverage manufacturers protect their formulations without resorting to expensive containers.

News in brief

New Vice President of Innovation for Arch Chemicals

The global biocides company, Arch Chemicals, has appointed Dr Aleck Valke as Vice President of Innovation, effective from November 1st.

Anti-microbial milk proteins could help alleviate acne, psoriasis and halitosis

Proteins in milk that form part of the cow’s natural protection against milking related infections can be formulated into anti-microbial cosmetics and oral care products, according to manufacturer Quantec.

New product cleanses and moisturises, says Laboratoires Sérobiologique

No-rinse cleansers that also moisturise are the target for the latest offering from Cognis’ active ingredients division Laboratoires Sérobiologique (LS).

Helix BioMedix publishes clinical trials for new peptide ingredient

Helix BioMedix has revealed the results of three clinical trials designed to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of its SmartPeptides technology.

Natural cosmetics company launches beauty beverage

Natural personal care manufacturer Noah’s Naturals is hoping to break into the beauty from within category with the launch of its beauty drink in January 2010.

News in brief

Elizabeth Arden outsources flexible packaging

Elizabeth Arden has entrusted all of its flexible packaging and print operations to global outsourcing company Williams Lea.

All eyes on Procter & Gamble on eve of crucial Q1 results

The world’s biggest consumer goods company, Procter & Gamble, is readying to reveal whether or not it has turned the corner with its first quarter results.

Oekametall packaging first to adopt DuPont’s renewable resin

Oekametall’s new standard mascara packaging line that uses DuPont’s renewably-sourced polyester resin, Biomax PTT1100, was showcased at Luxepack Monaco last week.

Simple brand put up for auction with a £250m price tag

Simple, one of the leading skin care brands in the UK, has been put up for sale by private equity group Duke Street Capital with an estimated value of £250m.

Clean, fresh smells promote ‘virtuous behavior’, claim scientists

On smelling clean, fresh scents, individuals are more inclined to behave in a generous and charitable way claim scientists in the US.

FDA cracks down on fake marketing claims over H1N1 products

The US FDA has launched a campaign that targets a number of unapproved personal care products marketed via the internet and claiming to protect against the H1N1 flu virus.

News in brief

Two step down from board of directors at Prestige Brands

The founder of the company and retired CEO Peter C. Mann is stepping down from the board of directors to pursue new business developments and Vincent Hemmer will also be leaving.

Formaldehyde-free eyelash glue developed from mussel adhesive protein

An agreement between Kollodis BioSciences and Korean-based cosmetics provider, Lifeace, will develop and commercialize the use of recombinant mussel adhesive protein (MAP) compositions in cosmetic glues.

Alberto Culver reveals flat sales and falling profit

Hair and skin care specialist Alberto Culver said its fourth quarter sales were hit by currency translation and profits were down, but the results beat expectations.

Metabolix’ field trials investigate bioplastic-producing crops

Field research on tobacco takes Metabolix one step further in its quest to design non-food crops that produce plastic resins for use in cosmetic and food packaging.

IFF subsidiary receives environmentally responsible certification

France-based LMR, an International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) subsidiary, has received the ISO 14001 certification for its environmentally responsible business practices.

News in brief

Innovation forum looks into ways to tackle the luxury market

New York University Stem School of Business Luxury and retail club will be hosting a forum in New York in conjunction with the Forum 2009.

Inter Parfums sales continue to fall

Inter Parfums announced that its third quarter sales fell by 5 per cent as it continued to be hit by both the strength of the US dollar against the euro and slow retail markets.

Flavanoid myricetin can help protect skin against UVB damage

Myricetin, a compound similar to quercetin, can help protect the skin from UVB damage, according to researchers in Taiwan.

News in brief

Rexam appoints new director of marketing and innovation

Global packaging provider Rexam has appointed Eric Soubeiran as director of marketing and innovations in its personal care division.

Cosmetics sales in China continue to boom, despite global down-turn

Latest data from the Chinese government show that the market for cosmetics has continued to grow in excess of 17 per cent for the first nine months of 2009.

Removable pumps to allow for easy recycling unveiled by MWV

Decorated perfume pumps and new features for existing cosmetic dispensers are some of the latest innovations being showcased at Luxe Pack Monaco this week by MWV Beauty and Personal Care.

Kimberly-Clark profits rocket despite sales fall

Kimberly-Clark's third quarter sales continue to slide, but restructuring and lower commodity prices help net profits rise by 41 per cent.

Botaneco to merge and specialise in natural ingredients and formulations

Ingredients supplier Botaneco will be widening its offering to specialize in natural ingredients and formulations following the merger with health sciences company Advitech.

Natura reports strong results, but growth slows

Brazil-based cosmetics giant Natura has reported double digit sales growth, but results show a downward trend.

Claims that silk pillows have anti-ageing properties dismissed by ASA

The UK-based ASA has upheld a complaint over advertising claims that silk pillows manufactured by Direct Beauty Products have anti-ageing properties.

Peptide pushes skin to remodel from within, claims DSM

The latest cosmetics offering from DSM Nutritional Products has been designed to boost hyaluronan levels in the skin to help firm and remodel ageing skin.

Tri-K launches new sunscreen range for US market

New Jersey-based Tri-K Industries has launched a range of five new sunscreens offering broad range UVA and UVB protection.

News in brief

Mass market launch of light-based anti-ageing device delayed

Palomar Medical Technologies is pushing back the mass market launch of its home-use laser device for wrinkle treatment to the end of next year to be in line with current economic conditions.

Anti-ageing water set for November launch in USA

Nutra Resveratrol Anti-Ageing Water, which contains concentrated anti-oxidants and claims to promote healthy ageing, is set for a November launch in the USA.

Organic Monitor to host sustainability summit

An event combining a series of workshops and presentations organized by Organic Monitor will be held Frankfurt, Germany, next month, concerning sustainable cosmetics.

Cell module system could help replace animal testing in cosmetics

The urgency of the ban on animal testing for cosmetic ingredients could speed up the regulatory bodies’ acceptance of alternatives such as Kirkstall’s cell culture system.

News in brief

Nescafé launches collagen coffee

The Switzerland-headquartered food giant Nestlé has launched a collagen containing instant coffee as part of its Nescafé body partner range.

Developing markets and fragrances drive LVMH results

LVMH reported better than expected results, with Christian Dior fragrance doing well and robust sales in China making up for weakness in other business areas.

French administration procedures for cosmetics exportation to be simplified

The French government plans to simplify administrative procedures to make the exportation of cosmetics easier, minister for Industry, Christian Estrosi, announced on Friday.

California extends deadline for reporting cancer chemicals in cosmetics

The state of California has extended the deadline for company’s to submit details of products that contain chemicals suspected of being linked to cancer or reproductive defects.

Nu Skin results defy financial downturn

Directs sales anti-aging skin care specialist Nu Skin says that its most recent quarterly results show sales growth despite the slow retail environment.

News in brief

Procter & Gamble has halved carbon dioxide emissions since 2002

Procter and Gamble (P&G) have released their 2009 Sustainability Report which highlights 50 per cent reductions in CO2 emissions, water consumption, and waste disposal since 2002.

The key to marketing cosmetics could lie in attitudes to equality

US researchers say that a study into attitudes towards equality and the link with impulse buying could shine new light on marketing cosmetics worldwide.

Grant combines silicones with naturals for greener solutions

Replacing a petroleum-derived solvent in a silicone elastomer delivery system with a vegetable alternative does not have to compromise quality, claims Grant Industries.

Estee Lauder expects 'significantly' higher quarterly profit

US prestige cosmetics player Estee Lauder says it expects better sales and ‘significantly’ higher profits for its soon-to-be announced first quarter results.

News in brief

At-home skin typing and analysis kit launched by Reveal Sciences

Reveal Sciences, a cosmetics and aesthetics innovation company, has launched the At-Home Skin Typing and Analysis Kit.

Tri-K will distribute Mediterranean natural ingredients in the US

Tri-K industries, a supplier of specialty ingredients to the global personal care and cosmetics industry, has been named the exclusive US distributor of Phenbiox ingredients.

Cosmetics players missing out on brand licensing's ‘easy’ money

Cosmetics companies could make big money by licensing out their brands, especially in difficult economic times.

Powder atomizer launched by Karla Innovations

Austria-based Karla Innovations has developed a bulb atomizer for powder and a perfume atomizer with a leak-proof bulb.

Re-sealable sample pack fits needs of modern consumer

A re-sealable sample pack for creams and lotions allows the consumer to test a product over a number of days while providing ample branding space, claim the manufacturers.

Study underlines potential for targeting hand soaps at men

A new study carried out by British scientists has proved that only one third of males actually wash their hands with soap and water after using the bathroom.

News in brief

Qosmedix launches dial-up applicators with interchangeable tips

Qosmedix, a supplier to the cosmetic, skincare, spa and salon industries, has developed a range of dial-up applicators with interchangeable tips.

Research on US rivers points to inconclusive results on cosmetics pollution

Analysis of research carried out in the US suggests that incidence of inter sex fish cannot always be blamed on high levels of household pollution, including personal care compounds.

AptarGroup suffers from weak demand in fragrance and cosmetics

Packaging supplier AptarGroup expects softness to continue in the cosmetics sector, its biggest business sector, although predicts the end of inventory reduction in others.

Berry Plastics acquires packaging player Pliant

Berry Plastics is broadening its personal care packaging business with the acquisition of Illinois-based Pliant Corporation.

Geka Brush to present new mascara brushes at Luxe Pack Monaco

Germany-based cosmetics applicator manufacturer, Geka Brush, will be presenting its latest mascara brushes at Luxe Pack Monaco on October 21st.

News in brief

Axilone produces perfume cap for new Guerlain fragrance

Caps and closures manufacturer Axilone has created the stopper for Guerlain’s new fragrance “Idylle”.

Commission calls for data on peanut oil and wheat proteins

The European Commission is calling for scientific data on the use of peanut oil and hydrolysed wheat proteins in cosmetics, after some member states expressed concern over the ingredients.

Walmart breaks into online beauty retailing

Walmart has extended its online sales channel to include both personal care and OTC medical products, aiming to cash in on this fast growing area.

J&J sales drop leads to share prices fall

A drop in domestic sales and negative currency effects pulled Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) consumer sales down for the third quarter.

Logona Cosmetics taps into demand for gluten-free cosmetics

Logona Natural Cosmetics, a manufacturer of personal care products and color cosmetics, has developed a gluten-free line comprising 155 products in response to increased awareness of gluten-intolerance.

Skin care ingredient uses protective power of grape stem cells

Stem cells from a rare red grape variety provide the basis for Swiss company Mibelle’s latest skin care ingredient.

Givaudan nine month results outpace market growth

Despite a slow start to its financial year, Swiss fragrance and flavours group Givaudan says business has picked up in the last six months, pointing to a recovery.

Simon Pitman

Arylessence claims fragrance planning gives competitive edge

Fragrance design house Arylessence has expanded its fragrance planning services, claiming a new 12-part plan can increase product appeal for consumers.

Lutein is DSM’s latest offering for beauty from within

New scientific studies have led DSM Nutritional Products to market its lutein product FloraGlo at the skin health sector.

News in brief

Shiseido pushes US operations with new head of sales

Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido has strengthened its American operations with promotion of a new sales leader in the market.

Marketing is essential to cracking men's grooming, claims analyst

Although little has been written on the men's grooming segment recently, NPD analyst Karen Grant says there are still plenty of opportunities for companies with the right approach.

Cosmeceutical industry ‘disregards’ safety, according to cancer charity

The cosmetics industry has a ‘reckless disregard for safety’ and should be providing safety warnings on a number of its products, according to a cancer charity.

Now is not the time to launch luxury green lines, says analyst

Natural and organic products may be outgrowing the rest of the personal care market but companies should not forget the economic downturn when investing in all things green.

News in brief

M&H Plastics wins prize for body care packaging

M&H Plastics USA has been awarded the 2009 Pentaward in the Body Care category for its packaging on the Living Proof ‘No Frizz’ range.

Weekly comment

The time is now for niche players to target the developing markets

With the growth of cosmetics sales continuing in most of the major developing markets new opportunities continue to proliferate for niche cosmetic players, but now is the time to get in on the act.

DuPont introduces green resin to cosmetics market at LuxePack

Packaging giant DuPont will be unveiling its new polyester resin with over a third renewable content to the luxury cosmetic sector at the LuxePack trade show later this month.

Lipoaminoacids provide comprehensive anti-ageing protection, study

Two new lipoaminoacid ingredients work in complementary ways to help fight against skin aging, according to a recent study.

Firmenich plans post-recession with partnerships, innovation

Firmenich’s fine fragrance division suffered the most in a recession struck year in which sales fell 4.3 per cent overall.

Beiersdorf says it will have to ‘fight hard’ to achieve objectives

With its main markets in developed countries still struggling under the strain of the economic downturn, Beiersdorf CFO Bernhard Duetmann says the business is not out of the doldrums yet.

New orders, new clients: business looking up for contract manufacturers

As consumers feel the pinch of a global recession they often look to private label goods as a way to save a few pennies. Couple this with the lower overheads and financial outlay offered by contract manufacturers and the sector seems to have a winning formula to survive difficult economic times.

News in brief

Facebook chosen by natural skin care brand for social marketing push

Natural skin care brand derma e Natural Bodycare has launched an official Facebook page in an attempt to raise awareness of the brand.

Asian cosmetics players opt for natural and organic standards

Asian cosmetics companies are turning to natural and organic certification programs in an effort to substantiate their product claims and differentiate them from the competition.

One-handed mascara pen claims to be industry first

Mascara Noir, a revolutionary, ‘one-handed’ mascara, claimed to be the first major change to mascara application in over fifty years, will be launched in the UK next week.

New study supports antioxidant supplements for ageing skin

Taking a dietary supplement containing coenzyme Q10 and a selection of antioxidants and minerals can decrease skin roughness and fine wrinkles, according to a recent study.

News in brief

Inter Parfums signs fragrance license with Jimmy Choo

The signing of a 12-year, worldwide license agreement between Inter Parfums SA, a subsidiary of Inter Parfums and the luxury goods company, Jimmy Choo, has just been announced.

Date rape-preventing lip gloss debuts

A lip gloss that comes with a date rape drug testing kit has been launched in the UK with plans to make it available in vending machines in bar and club toilets.

Strong sales push Helen of Troy to beat 2Q profit expectations

Helen of Troy says particularly strong sales for its personal care segment, backed up by an even stronger performance from its household goods division, helped boost quarterly profits.

Borghese expands into eyeware with licensing deal

New York-based luxury cosmetics provider Borghese is tapping into its kudos amongst the fashionista by signing a licensing agreement with eyeware maker Icon Eyeware.

Sally Beauty buys professional beauty products distributor

Sally Beauty, a leading supplier to the professional hair care industry worldwide, has acquired professional beauty supply distributor Schoeneman Beauty.

SPF and UVA testing methods clarified in ISO report

A technical report from the International Standards Organisation (ISO) claims to help technicians navigate the complex world of sun protection test methods.

Unilever strengthens work on topical delivery systems

Unilever has signed a research agreement with a US company in order to explore transdermal delivery technologies.

Cosmeceuticals niche continues to grow, fuelled by marketing

The niche market for US cosmeceuticals is continuing to grow despite the fact that the cosmetics category in the country as a whole is set to decline this year.

EPA outlines new strategy to study nanomaterials

The US Environmental Protection Agency has outlined a new research strategy aimed at understanding the impact of nanomaterials on human health and the environment.

Industry-wide campaign launched to boost fragrance sales

The Fragrance Foundation is behind an industry-wide advertising campaign with the aim of boosting flagging sales.

News in brief

Neocell targets European market and searches for French winery

Neocell, a US-based supplement and skin care provider, is this month showcasing its products to some of the top retailers and distributors in the European health and beauty sector, in order to expand its presence there.

Parlux sales up on new license deals

Preliminary results for fragrance manufacturer Parlux show sales up for the second quarter on the back of successful new launches.

Bioplastics have huge potential but infrastructure needs to catch up

Bio-based plastic resins are beginning to make their mark on the world of packaging; but, although significant savings are being made on resource use, much still needs to be done to improve end-of-life options.

Changing retail landscape helps define cosmetics in BRIC markets

The fast-changing retail landscapes in Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC markets) are creating new opportunities for cosmetics and personal care players to market products.

News in brief

Teddy bear combines fragrance aimed at getting kids to sleep

US company The Scent A Brand group has launched a children’s teddy bear that combines a soothing aromatherapy aimed at helping children and babies get to sleep.

IFRA investigation finds supplier compliant with standards

IFRA has found that a fragrance supplier was compliant with regulations following an investigation into the use of a banned ingredient.

Bio-piracy fears tackled in food and cosmetics seminar

Bio-piracy accusations are a growing concern for food and cosmetics companies sourcing natural ingredients abroad, according to the Union for Ethical Biotrade, which has organised an event to tackle the subject.

Cosmetic products with SPFs may not provide adequate protection

Formulating daily cosmetic products with UV filters may be ‘inappropriate’ as they do not provide the protection required, according to a recent report.

News in brief

Johnson & Johnson takes on natural brand for US distribution

Premium Greek skin care brand Korres will be taken on by Johnson and Johnson (J&J) for distribution in North America.

Natural European cosmetics sales continue to grow at double figures

Sales of natural and organic cosmetics are forecast to grow by 13 per cent in Europe this year, despite the tough retail environment caused by the economic downturn.

Indian urbanite a likely target for global cosmetic players

Urban areas will continue to be the focus for cosmetics players wanting to tap into strong growth figures as urban areas cling on to old retailer and consumer patterns.

Foods for beauty in the spotlight: Euromonitor

Anti-aging and beauty from within are expected to be in the functional food spotlight, despite the recent shadow cast over the category by the high profile failure of Danone’s Essensis beauty yogurt, say analysts.

Good Housekeeping magazine launches green seal for beauty products

The US consumer magazine has introduced a Green Seal for beauty and household products that measures the steps taken by a manufacturer to go green.