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

Revlon rolls out refinancing package to stave off debt

Troubled cosmetics giant Revlon says it is about to refinance its existing credit agreement as a means of strengthening its balance sheet and increasing its investment levels, a move that will be backed up by a share holder offering.

Danone's beautiful designs for functional yoghurts

Danone is planning to introduce a new line of cosmetic yoghurts next year, according to press reports, as it seeks the next level of differentiation in the increasingly competitive functional dairy market.

Nanotechnology risks need more study, German survey finds

Clear definitions, terms and standards as well as far more research into the potential problems of nanotechnology is needed before the science is used to a greater degree in products, according to a consumer survey by Germany's Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).

Paris Hilton targets beauty market

International heiress and socialite Paris Hilton is set to expand her lucrative empire in a bid to take over the beauty industry with the intended launch of a cosmetics range manufactured by Parlux Inc.

Lonza creates new anti-aging ingredient

Global supplier to the pharmaceutical and chemical markets, Lonza, has announced the launch of a soluble polymer ingredient that is to be used in cosmetic skin care.

Silicone back on market after FDA approval

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials have this month approved the sales of silicone breast implants for the first time in 14 years. Revelations that have led to widespread scepticism as to whether it is to soon for silicone to be back on the cosmetic market.

Givaudan set to top fragrance market with purchase of Quest

Swiss flavours and fragrance manufacturers, Givaudan, has bought Quest International, a move that consildates Givaudan stance as market leaders within the fragrance industry.

M&H Plastics forge ahead in packaging

M&H Plastics has announced a new tube-packaging concept that has water-clear transparency. The launch coincides with the recent restructuring of the US management team that signifies the company's desire for diversification and innovation in the plastics industry.

Live at Emballage

Convenience, portability, health, drive packaging needs

France's biggest packaging show ends today, with exhibitors targeting thedemands for more convenience, portability, health and wellness, and customisation.

Canada tightens up cosmetic regulations

Health Canada has amended its cosmetics regulation, Cosmetics and Your Health, this month to ensure manufacturers state the full ingredient list on all products labels by 2007 - a move that brings Canada up to speed with the US cosmetics industry and gives the consumer a more informed choice.

Marketing boosts cosmetic sales

Marketing may be even more important for the cosmetics industry than new product development, say insiders - and the giants are egging the latest trends to attract the holiday season consumer.

L'Occitane targets travel consumers

Mediterranean cosmetics boutique L'Occitane, has announced the opening of a new store at US airport DFW (Dallas Forth Worth), targeting the travel consumer, following a recent survey that showed passenger sales of health and beauty products are on the rise.

Review claims tooth whiteners not harmful to health

A new review has dismissed claims that hydrogen peroxide used as a whitening agent can be linked to oral cancer, indicating good news for mass retailers of teeth whitening products.

Gimmick food based cosmetics on the rise

Gimmicky products that blur the boundaries between food and cosmetic are on the rise, as many companies seek to capitalise on growing consumer trend for cosmetics containing food-based ingredients, but according to an expert from Euromonitor, they are likely to be short lived.

Private Investors buy out Risdon

Private investors have bought out Delaware-based cosmetics packaging company, Crown Risdon, a move that is likely to see the company develop new product lines and continue to target Asian and European markets.

Mintel predicts top cosmetic trends for 2007

Trend spotters from the Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) have predicted the cosmetic trends that will hit supermarket shelves in 2007.

Female consumers drive nutricosmetics market

A recent Euromonitor report has suggested that it is the image conscious female consumer that is driving the recent sales surge in beauty supplements, a surge that looks set to continue with persisting emphasis being placed on personal appearance and well being by the media.

Counterfeit goods a 'serious threat' says EC

Latest customs statistics show that cosmetics counterfeiting and piracy continues to be a growing threat in Europe.

Male skin care emerges as market leader

The Men's skin care segment has emerged as a market leader in the male grooming industry, according to market research firm, NPD Group. However, due to disappointing overall sales growth in the past year, manufacturers are urged to go after male consumers with marketing strategies relevant to their lifestyle.

Dispensing system targets holiday consumers

An innovative new product dispensing system introduced by US airport DFW (Dallas Forth Worth) targets the growing consumer need for ease of purchase and accessibility when purchasing cosmetics this holiday season.

New consumer trend for sexy cosmetics

A new trend has emerged for racy brand named cosmetics with many manufacturers opting to give 'sexy' names to their beauty products in order to entice the more daring female consumer.

Cosmetics drive growth for Henkel

Germany-based cosmetics and home care producer Henkel has announced strong results, driven higher by a particularly good performance from its cosmetics division.

Inter Parfums third quarter beats expectations

Fragrance and cosmetics maker Inter Parfums has reported record third quarter 2006 results, as net sales rose 19 per cent, with established fragrance brand Lanvin being singled out for a particularly strong performance.

Bare Escentuals sees massive leap in sales, but costs hit profits

Having gone public in September, Bare Escentuals, a producer of natural cosmetics announced that its sales jumped 45 per cent on the back of continued brand awareness and the rise in the naturals market.

Sephora targets holiday season with new product launch

Sephora, the fragrance and cosmetic retail arm of France-based LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, has announced a new partnership with Monopoly to launch a beauty based board game, targeting the profitable holiday period.

Anti-aging Face Bra hits Europe

Following the continued quest to find non-invasive means of fighting skin ageing, a product that claims to provide a non-surgical means of facelifting has this week made the jump from the US to the UK market.

Superfos responds to packaging safety requirements for elderly and children

Danish packaging company Superfos says it has introduced a new child-proof and senior-friendly opening and closing mechanism that meets demands for UN-approved packaging standards.

Eastman create innovative packaging for anti-aging cream

Cosmetic giants Lancôme Laboratories has chosen an injection-moulded, chemical resistant, glass polymer by Eastman Chemicals, for its latest creation, Secret Vie, an anti-aging face cream.

Online cosmetic sales set to surge

A recent survey released by online marketplace Shop.com shows that consumers gearing up for the holiday season are more likely to shop online this year than any other year, a trend that could impact cosmetic manufacturers that market in-store.

Organic cosmetics continue to target mass market

The organic beauty trend is fast developing, with skincare specialists Caleel + Hayden, and international natural and organic food retailer, World Foods Market, striking up a partnership to launch the new beauty range, Mineral Fusion in stores across the US this month.

Revlon announce third-quarter loss due to product discontinuation

Despite an overall increase in net sales, cosmetic leader, Revlon, reported a third quarterly loss on Tuesday, due to costs incurred for the discontinuation of unsuccessful product line, Vital Radiance, and company restructuring.

Food based cosmetics on the rise

Food based ingredients are emerging as a key trend in the cosmetics industry, with many beauty companies targeting the growing market and creating product lines that incorporate natural ingredients.

Rexam targets samples and on-the-go market

In answer to rising demand for on-the-go and samples for fragrances and cosmetics, Rexam has launched a number of products aimed at boosting sales of full-sized products.

More proof that internet beauty sales are really working

Newly-formed makeup.com, an online beauty sales portal, is set to make a significant mark on the US beauty retail landscape, as online sales of beauty products continue to make a growing impression within the sector.

Costs hit Elizabeth Arden, but prospects look strong

Cosmetic and fragrance giant Elizabeth Arden posted a quarterly loss on Friday, as it was hit by restructuring costs, but with marketing spend lower than expected and sales still strong, the underlying results appear to be solid.

Macy's team up with chef to combine food and fragrance

New York Pastry Chef, Johnny Iuzzini, will team up with department store Macy's, to perform four one-hour food and fragrance demonstrations, starting November 13, in a move that blurs the boundaries between the two categories.

New head shaving gel targets bald men

Texas-based cosmetics company, Bold For Men (www.boldformen.com, has announced the December launch of Bold For Men's Dry Shave Gel, designed for use on dry skin, targeting the fast-growing niche male-grooming market.

Unilever sees big drop in profits as costs bite hard

Unilever has reported a 45 per cent drop in profits despite universal sales growth and a particularly strong performance in its personal care business.

Body Shop owner defends selling to L'Oreal

Body Shop founder Anita Roddick says that the sale of the business to L'Oreal was the right thing to do, stressing that the French cosmetic giant is an 'honourable' company to do business with.

Burt's Bees focuses on production efficiency

US-based natural personal care products manufacturer Burt's Bees has upgraded its production planning with the introduction of supply chain enhancing systems from i2 Technologies.

Barbie and MAC pair up on cosmetics deal, but not for kids!

Barbie license holder Mattel says it has forged a deal with cosmetic specialist MAC that should see Barbie branded cosmetics aimed at adults hit store shelves in the spring of next year.

P&G results touch top-end of expectations

Proctor & Gamble has reported a 27 per cent increase in its sales and a 33 per cent increase in net earnings as the company continues to power away on the strength of last year's merger with Gillette and a continued improvement in margins.

Clarins comes under fire over peanut ingredient

Leading skin care and beauty company Clarins has come in for criticism from a US-based toxicology organisation over allegations that ingredients used in its products may cause users serious allergic reactions.