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Why the US needs private organic cosmetics standards

08-Mar-2010 - Organic certification creates an even playing field for the industry, it provides answers for consumers, and it supports credible exports; broadening the marketplace for both American-produced cosmetics and for organic raw materials.

Endorsements from professional bodies - a dangerous game for the elite

03-Mar-2010 - Displaying the seal of recommendation from a professional body on your label may seem the perfect way of lending weight to your product; but, what is the value of winning if the competition is not open to all? And what does it do to the reputation of the endorser?

Environmental labeling will be useless unless well prepared

10-Feb-2010 - Unique packaging and a well known brand name catch your eye amid the crowd of products jostling for attention. You saw the advert and it promised youthful miracles, but can you afford it… in terms of your carbon footprint, I mean?

The wider picture on sustainability

01-Feb-2010 - Everyone is talking about sustainability these days, but jumping on this wagon without considering the broader implications can lead to trouble.

The battle is on to prove luxury cosmetics are worth it

11-Jan-2010 - There is nothing like a recession to push consumers away from prestige cosmetics towards cheaper alternatives as a means of stretching the household budget.

Paraben-free claims could backfire in 2010

04-Jan-2010 - Eat less chocolate, start going to the gym, cut down on the alcohol, boycott paraben-containing cosmetics…

Less will be more for cosmetics players in 2010

30-Nov-2009 - As the global economy emerges from recession, consumers are embracing more modest consumption patterns, something cosmetics players cannot ignore as 2010 looms.

Public dialogue on nano should take a back seat until there is more data

10-Nov-2009 - Earlier this week the European Commission published a report detailing progress on its Action Plan on nanotechnology – the use of the tiny particles that are tipped to have huge effects on consumer products and society at large.

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

12-Oct-2009 - 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.

Green packaging is more about improving recycling than new materials

29-Sep-2009 - When it comes to environmentally friendly packaging some of the most important savings are being missed through poor recycling options – and this applies to all plastics bio- and fossil fuel-based.

Why making physiological ad claims puts you on thin ice

31-Aug-2009 - The fact that a US manufacturer recently got in trouble with UK consumer groups over a fat burning lip balm underlines the eternal need for heed over product claims.

Why the rest of Europe should adopt France's revolutionary packaging laws

25-Aug-2009 - The modern French nation can be thought of as a revolutionary traditionalist, which is why the recent change to the country’s packaging laws comes as quite a surprise.

Brand protection means tougher work for lawyers

17-Aug-2009 - A recent spate of lawsuits aimed at protecting some of the biggest personal care brand names in the business is likely to spell more work for legal representatives.

Pale is the new tanned...or is it?

04-Aug-2009 - The announcement that sunbeds are as carcinogenic as cigarettes was seen by many as proof that the fashion for a tan is fading, but preparations for a revolutionary rush on very high SPF factors may not be necessary.

Are consumer watchdog product tests thorough enough?

06-Jul-2009 - A recent spate of disputed consumer watchdog studies on personal care products has raised the question of whether such testing is always thorough enough.

Nutrition and cosmetics industries must clear up cosmeceutical confusion

29-Jun-2009 - The term cosmeceutical has always been controversial, but the blurring boundaries between the worlds of nutrition and cosmetics are highlighting divisions that neither industry can ignore.

New Procter & Gamble head has a job on his hands

24-Jun-2009 - Robert Macdonald becomes CEO of Procter & Gamble (P&G) as its brands face fierce competition from discounters and private label alternatives.

Global harmonisation for organic standards looks a distant dream

16-Jun-2009 - Despite high hopes and noble thoughts, the Cosmos standard for organic and natural cosmetics is unlikely to lead to global harmonisation.

The internet provides a route out of recession for cosmetics companies

08-Jun-2009 - Cosmetics manufacturers should turn to the internet and social networking sites to talk with consumers and spread the word about their brands.

Cosmetics industry cannot afford to ignore ethical claims

01-Jun-2009 - As more and more cosmetics companies gain kudos thanks to increasingly rigorous ethical sourcing and trading claims, companies that ignore the phenomenon stand to lose out.

Being organic or natural won't necessarily make a product green

26-May-2009 - Contrary to popular belief, organic and natural cosmetic ingredients are not necessarily more environmentally friendly.

Destocking: It's the perfect excuse for poor performance

11-May-2009 - Cosmetics companies looking for something to blame for poor financial results are turning to the ever so convenient excuse of destocking.

Boots’ independent efficacy trial gives it a winning hand over competitors

04-May-2009 - In today’s competitive marketplace, proving a product’s efficacy is an important way for manufacturers to set themselves apart from rivals, and double-blind placebo-controlled trials is one of the best ways of doing so.

Why no one is fooled by greenwashing

20-Apr-2009 - Trickery and lies are not uncommon in marketing but when selling sustainability bending and twisting the truth has become standard practice.

Personal care pollution should be on your radar

14-Apr-2009 - Personal care pollution should be on your radar A rash of highly publicised scientific studies has served to underline growing awareness of pollution from personal care products. Justified or not, it will become an increasingly important issue for the industry.