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

Research group raises health alarm over coumarin

The popular lavender scented ingredient coumarin may pose a significant health risk and should not be added to personal care products for babies and toddlers, warned the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).

Palm oil price fears rise with flood waters

Severe flooding in Malaysia looks likely to affect palm oil supplies for November and December, sparking a shortage that would drive up prices.

Sun care for sports enthusiasts

A sun care range designed specifically for outdoor sports enthusiasts will be rolled out in the New Year, illustrating further segmentation within the sector.

Annual round-up

Natural ingredients protect against UV

The year has seen increasing research into natural possibilities for sun care that focus on protecting the DNA from UV damage rather than blocking UV rays like conventional sunscreens.

Atrium plans to sell its actives and chemicals division

Atrium is planning to sell its active ingredients and specialty chemicals division in order to focus its energies on the nutritional supplements sector.

Marinova wins fucoidan extract organic certification

Marinova has been handed an organic certificate for its fucoidan seaweed extract, which the company says makes it the only certified extract of its kind on the market.

RIFM launches fragrance ingredients database

US fragrance body Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) has opened up its database to personal care companies and businesses dealing in fragrances, a move that aims to encourage closer ties within this category.

Science group calls lead in lipstick scare unfounded

The American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) has described claims that lipstick contains dangerous levels of lead as the number one unfounded health scare of 2007.

Calls for investigation into cumulative risks of phthalates

Interest group calls for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to perform a cumulative risk assessment on phthalates, as the only way to ensure public safety.

Marketing efforts step up in time for Christmas

Marketing machines have been put into top gear as companies look to grab the maximum number of beauty dollars during the spending frenzy of Christmas.

Animal testing alternatives developed for cosmetics

As anxiety among policy makers grows in the run up to the 2009 ban, two biochips have been developed that could eliminate the need for animal testing on cosmetic ingredients.

Legislation set to shape nanotech cosmetics

Despite pressure for increased legislation on the use of nanotechnology in cosmetic products throughout 2007, the number of nanoparticle-containing products continues to grow.

Merger and acquisition highlights for 2007

The merger and acquisition highlights for 2007 include consolidation in the natural and organics market, further acquisitions by the biggest players and rumors concerning the future ownership of Clarins and Estee Lauder.

Dermitage taps into interactive online trend

California-based Dermitage has launched a new, more interactive website to market its cosmeceutical range, tapping into the trend for websites that involve consumers with more product details.

Nicole Kidman wins damages over favorite fragrance claim

A UK newspaper has had to pay significant libel damages and make a public apology after it wrongly claimed that Nicole Kidman had broken her contractual agreement with Chanel No 5 to promote a rival fragrance.

Snake venom-based anti-ageing cream launched in UK

Planet Skincare is readying for the February launch of an anti-ageing moisturiser early next year that will contain the award-winning ingredient Syn-ake, based on snake venom.

New hope for photoaged skin

Anti-ageing formulations may help reverse the signs of photoageing as well as intrinsic ageing, suggests new research.

HBA Spring Conference explores well-being and packaging design

The schedule for the HBA Spring Conference has been unveiled with the focus being on packaging design and the well-being trend.

New machine claims to eliminate bottle line jams

A new bottle packaging machine claims to allow for efficient and consistent packaging lines that remain jam-free, according to its manufacturer Standard-Knapp.

Mary Kay opens new facilities in Mexico

Mary Kay has opened a new distribution centre and headquarters in Mexico after twenty years of trading in the country - a move that celebrates the success of direct selling in the emerging market.

P&G files infringement lawsuit against Fruit of The Earth

The world's largest consumer and personal care company, Procter & Gamble, has filed a lawsuit against cosmetic maker Fruit of the Earth based on a number of infringements for patents filed to protect Olay Regenerist.

Hammonds launches enhanced processing pump

Texas-based industrial processing machinery provider Hammonds Industries has launched a new metering pump aimed at dispensing polymers, petroleum products and other liquids used by the cosmetics industry, with digital accuracy.

Cream Perfume Company goes organic

Niche becomes even more niche, as the California Cream Perfume Company taps into a key industry trend with the launch of it first certified organic fragrance range.

China can't improve product safety alone

Companies outsourcing to China need to go well beyond price and delivery terms to ensure that their products are not toxic, warned the Investor Environmental Health Network (IEHN) as trade talks between the US and China kicked off in Beijing.

Revlon refinances to stave off debt

A new loan for Revlon means that key investor MacAndrew and Forbes now has a 57 percent share in the company, putting more pressure on the cosmetics player to enhance its performance.

Lush develops palm oil-free soap base

In answer to growing consumer pressure over sustainable and ethically sourced personal care products, Lush has teamed up with a small soap specialist in the UK to develop what is claimed to be the world's first palm oil-free soap base.

Caffeine treatment reduces fatty deposits, study says

Caffeine containing anti-cellulite formulation leads to smaller thighs but does little for the blood circulation in the skin, according to new research.

Coty acquires Del Laboratories and parent company

Leading fragrance manufacturer Coty has acquired DLI Holding Corp. which manufactures cosmetics and pharmaceuticals under the name Del Laboratories.

Antibacterial ingredients come under attack, again

A recent scientific report claiming that an ingredient in personal care products may alter hormone activity adds to the raging debate over the dangers of synthetic chemicals.

BASF shake-up results in creation of care chemicals division

As part of a major reorganisation of its business BASF has created a care chemicals division to better serve its customers in the cosmetics and personal care sectors.

RFID test on reusable containers launched

One of the world's largest field tests to combine radio frequency identification technology (RFID) with returnable packaging has been launched by an industry group.

ISCC science meeting showcases industry breakthrough

Botaneco, a subsidiary of Canadian based biotech firm SemBiosys, is to present its lipid harnessing technology at the meeting for the International Society of Cosmetic Chemists (ISCC) in New York.

Clarins defends itself against interest group attacks

Citing a lengthy legal battle Clarins has defended itself against a targeted interest group campaign that describes the luxury brand's Angel Parfum as inherently dangerous.

Cosmetics consumers looking for reassurance

Faced with a constant barrage of health scares and growing fears about the environment, the consumer is seeking reassurance when buying cosmetics, said marketing expert Micheal Gutsatz at the Natural Beauty Summit.

Momentive's spiky silicone ups ingredient delivery

Connecticut-based Momentive Performance Materials has launched a new micro-spherical silicon powder developed with a spiky surface to help the delivery of active skin care and color cosmetic ingredients.

Special Interview

Union formed to encourage ethical trade in natural ingredients

The Union for Ethical BioTrade could help cosmetics companies negotiate the regulatory 'minefield' of trading with local producers in Africa, South America and Asia, whilst ensuring ethical trade that benefits small scale producers, according to the Union's head Gus LeBreton.

Dow Corning expands sun care ingredients

US-based chemicals group Dow Corning is building further on its offering to the personal care industry by launching an enhanced formulation line-up for sun care products.

Discussions reveal deep divisions on safety of synthetic ingredients

Following several high profile cosmetics health scares in recent months, discussions at the Natural Beauty Summit revealed deep divisions within the industry over the safety of certain ingredients.

Cosmetics firm sues Teri Hatcher for breach of contract

Skin care specialist Hydroderm has sued Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher for $2.8 million for alleged breach of contract, according to press reports.

Compound activates anti-cancer gene to fight skin cancer

Skin cancer may be prevented and treated by a molecule that re-activates the body's own defence mechanisms, according to scientists, who suggest the molecule may one day be incorporated into sun care products.

Countdown to harmonisation of organic and natural standards

Representatives of Europe's leading natural and organic certification bodies told delegates at the Natural Beauty Summit that they are on course to develop a common standard by June 2008.

FDA extends feedback period on new sunscreen regulations

The FDA has extended the feedback period on the sunscreen regulations proposed this summer, in response to calls from industry for time to complete laboratory tests.

CTFA changes name to focus on consumer safety

The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association has changed its names to the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) in an attempt to become more consumer orientated.

Estee Lauder group president resigns

Estee Lauder has announced the resignation of group president Philip Shearer who currently holds responsibility for some of the company's most prestigious brands including Clinique and Aveda.

High double-digit growth expected in nanotech cosmetics market

The market for cosmetics using nanotechnology is expected to grow significantly over the coming years despite continued concern about the safety of the technology.