Study: Upcycled orange oil shows promise in cost-effective hand sanitizers
Mexican and Colombian researchers pointed to orange peel waste as a practical source of antibacterial ingredients for alcohol-based hand gels.
Sustainability
Mini cosmetics market grows as brands target Gen Z and travel retail
Demand for compact beauty products rises, driven by travel retail, pricing and Gen Z consumer experimentation.
Zinc oxide nanocrystals offer energy-efficient path to PFAS remediation: Japan study
Scientists in Japan have found a new way to clean up “forever chemicals” that is safer and more energy-efficient than older methods by using tiny particles called zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystals (NCs).
Study finds plant-based extract boosts SPF in sunscreens
Yarrow root extract enhances SPF, antioxidant, and brightening effects in eco-friendly sunscreen formulations, say Brazilian researchers.
Upcycled passionfruit waste holds promise for beauty product innovation
Pectins extracted from Passiflora ligularis, or granadilla, a type of passionfruit, could act as natural moisturizing and gelling agents for cosmetic formulations, according to a new study published in the scientific journal Cosmetics.
KBDB report finds 71% of beauty ingredients safer
Key findings from this year’s analysis include that 71% are verified safer (up from 65%), but despite this progress, the report’s authors noted that “gaps remain where innovation is needed across product categories, applications, and chemical functions.”
Univar’s Brazil deal fortifies sun care innovation pipeline
Univar Solutions has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with India-based Best Value Chem, expanding access to the BVSUN line of UV filters for personal care manufacturers across Brazil.
How Helena Rubinstein is redefining anti-ageing with avant-garde science
We spoke to the mediluxe brand about its innovation in ozone, senescence & skin repair.
Across the CD-Verse: October 2025
This month’s installment of CosmeticsDesigns’ global roundup examines shifting regulatory landscapes, financial news, and breakdowns of industry analysis reporting.
How a Canadian indie beauty brand used consumer feedback to drive packaging revamp
Updates to Saltyface’s packaging reflect a shift toward lighter, more durable, and easier-to-recycle materials—decisions the brand says were made directly in response to how customers use and experience their products.
Could skin-on-chip methods be the future of cosmetics testing?
New research shows how new skin-on-chip methods could potentially disrupt animal testing in the beauty and personal care industry.
US skin care turns to osmolytes for hydration edge
Osmolytes, a class of small molecules that help cells regulate water balance under stress, are emerging as functional ingredients in next-generation hydration formulas, with IFF and Chemist Confessions among the companies advancing their use in the US...
Key takeaways from Mintel’s ‘Future of Colour Cosmetics’ global webinar
From long-wear hybrids to biotech pigments, Mintel’s recent webinar outlines the product features and suppliers’ strategies shaping the future of the global color cosmetics category.
Video: Kelp CoLab offers R&D boost for cosmetics innovators
GreenWave’s program is designed to bridge the gap between kelp potential and the development of cosmetic and personal care products.
Across the CD-Verse: September 2025
This month’s roundup of CosmeticsDesign’s global coverage includes an in-depth look at scientific developments, sustainable innovation, and notable brand launches.
Sustainable packaging startup launches ‘first fully home-compostable pipette dropper’ for beauty packaging
Shellworks’ innovation is designed to address one of the most persistent technical challenges in the cosmetic packaging industry.
EU microplastics regulation puts pressure on beauty brands ahead of key deadlines
The EU’s microplastics regulation is driving North American beauty ingredient manufacturers and suppliers to innovate sustainable alternatives that do not compromise performance, as global consumer demand and regulatory expectations converge.
EUDR enforcement delayed again over IT system readiness
The European Commission has proposed a second delay to the enforcement of the EUDR, citing that its technology systems are not yet ready.
Industry players shed light on pressing topics ahead of Sustainable Cosmetics Summit
A global industry leader and an emerging firm from India offer a preview of the discussions that will be taking place at the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit in Hong Kong this November.
Indie Insights: How Bend Beauty is building a future in ingestible beauty with sustainable science
Education and storytelling drive consumer trust in ingestible beauty, according to Marc St-Onge, founder of Bend Beauty.
Ecovia launches new award to spotlight Sustainability Start-Ups in beauty sector
A new award category, aimed at recognizing early-stage innovation, is being introduced at this year’s Sustainable Beauty Awards as Ecovia Intelligence.
AI and biotech to take centre stage at sustainability summit
Here’s why green tech is high on the agenda for this year’s Sustainable Cosmetics Summit...
Brazil’s Atlantic Forest becomes hub for IFF’s ingredient discovery
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (IFF) is expanding its footprint in natural ingredient innovation through a new partnership with Reservas Votorantim (RV) at Legado das Águas, Brazil’s largest private Atlantic Forest reserve.
EU bans reshaping clean beauty: what formulators must know
Gone are the days when clean beauty was an ambiguous buzzword. Changing EU regulations are making it the new normal, says one business expert.
Columbian study finds kiwi fruit-derived enzyme can yield promising anti-aging peptides
Peptides obtained from casein using actinidin, an enzyme sourced from green kiwi fruit, demonstrated measurable antioxidant and anti-aging properties, says a recent study in the journal Cosmetics.
Washington first state to ban formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetics
The ban builds on the state’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act of 2023.
Video: Qore CEO explains how QIRA is bringing bio-based innovation to beauty
Cargill and HELM’s venture aims to make the eco-friendly ingredient more accessible to stakeholders in the US cosmetics and personal care product industries.
Retail report highlights need for shopper autonomy, value alignment, and ‘wellness-forward sustainability’
Recently released survey results show the current beauty shopping landscape is falling short for consumers who desire calm shopping environments or simpler purchasing options.
Regulatory roundup: A review of US beauty sector enforcement and compliance actions
From packaging laws to the potential impact of the US-EU tariff deal, industry experts weighed in on a flurry of recent legislation proposals and legal decisions.
PETA to update cruelty-free eligibility for beauty brands as progress is “under threat”
The EU animal testing loophole threatens progress for cruelty-free cosmetics, says PETA US.
Debut’s plant cell tech offers eco-friendly fragrance solution
The biotech company’s new platform has launched with the rare ingredient orris.
Impact report: Nonprofit triples collection of hard-to-recycle materials, recovers 4.5x more unsellable goods in 2024
A surge in collection infrastructure and standardized recycling efforts marked Pact Collective’s most expansive year to date.
Behind the R&D: Developing a regulatory-compliant biodegradable micropowder for color cosmetics
Esmeri CC1N10 illustrates how cellulose ester chemistry is being adapted to meet performance and sustainability targets in cosmetics.
Tech & wellness key for APAC beauty market in 2025 & beyond, says Cosmoprof chief
As a “cradle for innovation and technology”, what’s happening at Cosmoprof Asia this year? And what trends should international brands take note of?
How recent rulings are shaping the legal risk of vegan collagen marketing
As the market for “clean” and ethical vegan collagen skin care products expands, brands must align product positioning with legal precedent and substantiation, or risk litigation, says industry attorney.
Next-gen photoprotection: Scientific review calls for broader sunscreen strategies
Researchers urged formulation overhaul to address blue light, IRA, and cellular-level damage with sustainable solutions and advanced delivery systems.
The challenges of designing refillable hair care
We explore the topic of refillable beauty packaging and speak to clean beauty hair care brand Hairstory about developing its new refillable shampoo bottle.
B Corp Beauty Coalition launches five-year plan to reshape industry standards
The 60-member coalition, which includes companies like Kaffe Bueno, The Inkey List, and The Upcycled Beauty Company, aims to drive systemic change through sustainable innovation, cross-brand collaboration, and regulatory advocacy.
New beauty innovations set to launch at Cosmoprof Asia
APAC is always an innovation hotspot for the beauty industry. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the launches that are set to be unveiled at this year’s Cosmoprof Asia show…
SB 54 is coming fast: Is the beauty industry ready?
As the Circular Action Alliance (CAA) accelerates implementation, manufacturers need to be prepared to reassess their packaging, data systems, and cross-state alignment.
Across the CD-Verse: June 2025
Innovation, acquisition, and regulation defined the beauty business this month across all regions.
Unilever to acquire US men’s brand Dr. Squatch
The multinational said it now plans to “scale internationally” with the brand.
IFF showcases low-water format in Xelestia concept line at NYSCC Suppliers’ Day 2025
Building on its Genencare foundation, IFF’s new shampoo paste addresses the formulation complexity of rinse-off products with reduced water content.
New white paper tackles challenges and solutions of packaging circularity in beauty and personal care
From smart labeling to refillable designs, cosmetics brands are rethinking packaging to align with ESG priorities and regulatory demands, according to Pascale Wautelet, vice president of global research and development and sustainability at Avery Dennison.
A data-driven look at sustainable beauty: NIQ VP shares insights into consumer behavior
Beauty brands are facing increasing pressure to deliver both value and verifiable Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments as consumer expectations rise, says Anna Mayo, VP of market research firm NIQ’s beauty verticle.
Latest chemical listings under Safer Products for Washington program signal rising regulatory pressure for US beauty industry
Building on the state’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, the increased regulatory scrutiny could signal similar impending actions in other states.
CDU’s top 3 key insights from the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit 2025 - North America edition
Over the course of two days, industry leaders from the Regenerative Organic Alliance, Terracycle, The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc., and other organizations came together to discuss the latest innovations, challenges and solutions currently facing...
AmphiStar and Kensing to advance sustainable biosurfactants for North American market
The recently announced partnership seeks to scale biosurfactant production in the US using agri-food sidestreams.
CDU’s Top 6 innovations from the 2025 NYSCC Suppliers’ Day Inspiration Hive
Highlighting emerging trends in cosmetic and personal care product formulation, our picks include ingredients sourced through green chemistry processes, vegan hair care, and more.
Biotech company Macro Oceans launches Big Kelp Flex, debuts at NYSCC Suppliers’ Day 2025
The 100% natural superabsorbent polymer is designed to deliver synthetic-level performance in personal care and cosmetic formulations.