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.
Sustainability
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.
Inside BEAUTYSTREAMS’ forecast: Trends that will define hair care through 2028
“Hair longevity and a porosity-focused approach are some of the directions that will lead the way in claims and terminology for hair care, color, and styling for 2025–2028,” said Eleonora Mazzilli, Trend Localization & Business Development Director,...
What are the sustainability merits of next-gen tech in cosmetics?
Leaders from FIG OR OUT, TerraCycle, GlycosBio, and more will explore how tech-driven trends are shaping the future of beauty at the upcoming Sustainable Cosmetics Summit.
Next Gen packaging push poses new challenges for beauty industry stakeholders
Packaging innovation offers new tools, but myths, costs, and infrastructure challenges slow widespread adoption, according to Hector Magallon Larson, Strategic Lead, Personal Care/Beauty at Canopy.
Pact Collective NewMatter program expands into HDPE sheets
The initiative builds on the momentum of the agnostic plastic packaging take-back program to help consumers “see and feel the impact they’re making,” said Carly Snider, executive director at Pact Collective.
Sustainability and wellness at the “Nexus of Science and Beauty”
From networking opportunities for future cosmetic chemists to the first-ever Formulators’ Tour, clean beauty and health & wellness innovation are top-billing topics at this year’s NYSCC Suppliers’ Day.
C-beauty brand blends TCM with sustainable science through Green Coffee concept
Pretti5’s Green Coffee extract offers consumers an effective, eco-friendly alternative to topicals formulated with traditionally sourced caffeine.
Every Man Jack maps progress on packaging and supply chain goals in first-ever Impact Report
From PCR packaging to tree planting, the personal care company shows how it has scaled successful sustainability efforts in 2024.
TRI-K’s new biotech ingredients address hair thinning and skin sensitivity
The beauty industry manufacturer cited sustainability and traceability as drivers for the new launches, which target market demand while expanding the company’s portfolio offerings.
Paper over plastic: Arcade Beauty debuts 80% paper recyclable sample pack in collaboration with Origins
Origins is the first skin care brand to adopt the traditional foil sachet/packette replacement as part of Origins’ sustainable packaging roadmap.
BASF appoints Azelis as sole US distributor for personal care portfolio
BASF’s new exclusive distribution partnership with Azelis aims to streamline service, accelerate innovation, and advance sustainability in the US personal care market.
April Launch Pad: Targeted formulations meet functional beauty innovation
April 2025 saw a leap in innovations that merge function with focus from BYOMA’s Ultralight Face Fluid SPF50 to blinc’s ‘world’s first’ curling tubing eyelash primer.
Five industry leaders share insights ahead of the 2025 Sustainable Cosmetics Summit
Get an inside look at how top beauty and personal care brands are tackling sustainability before next month’s summit.
The value of certified organic ingredients in product formulations: NSF survey reveals 45% of consumers willing to pay more
New data reveals a sharp disparity between consumers’ strong desire for organic ingredients and their distrust of voluntary labels, demonstrating a gap in the market for beauty brands.