All Asia-Pacific

Industry’s only Pan-Asian event moves up a gear for 2013

Industry’s only Pan-Asian event moves up a gear for 2013

By Michelle Yeomans

With just over seven months until the doors open for in-cosmetics Asia in Bangkok, interest in the show is said to be exceeding 2012 figures as exhibitor bookings are up 36 percent compared to this time last year.

Purac pushes green formulations in China market

Purac pushes green formulations in China market

By Simon Pitman

Purac China is focusing on one of the biggest trends in the country’s still fast growing cosmetic s and personal market – a greener more eco-friendly product.

2013 sees Asia take strides towards eliminating animal testing

2013 sees Asia take strides towards eliminating animal testing

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

With less than a week to go until the ban on selling animal-tested cosmetics in the EU, it appears that it has influenced several markets in Asia, with Korea, India and Japan all seeing instances of following suit in 2013 so far.

Baby boom in developing markets is driving trends

Baby boom in developing markets is driving trends

By Michelle Yeomans

According to analysts at Transparency Market Research; the global baby care product market will reach $66.8 billion in 2017, due to a growing baby population, particularly in developing nations.

Pangea receives PETA award for pulling out of China market

Pangea receives PETA award for pulling out of China market

By Simon Pitman

Many international cosmetic makers are faced with ethical questions over whether or not to be present in the China market because of animal testing requirements. Pangea Organics chose not to stay, and has been commended for this.

Solvay guar production expansion focuses on China

Solvay guar production expansion focuses on China

By Simon PITMAN

Belgium-based Solvay has finalized plans to increase global production of guar  by 40 percent, thanks to expanded manufacturing capacity in China that will focus on the personal care category.

Research group unearths new info on photo-ageing damage

Research group unearths new info on photo-ageing damage

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Scientists have provided an objective index for evaluating the degree of progress of dermal tissue changes caused by photo-ageing and revealed for the first time that elastin abnormality develops in the lower dermis during the early stages.

Dabur sees double-digit gains despite tough economy

Dabur sees double-digit gains despite tough economy

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Despite a challenging macro-economic environment, Dabur India reported strong volume-driven growth across all its key categories; with skin and hair care both contributing to the double digit growth.

Indian actress wades in on animal testing debate

Indian actress wades in on animal testing debate

By Simon Pitman

Animal testing on cosmetics is becoming a hot topic in India, as veteran actress Debasree Roy joins a campaign to fight against it and adds to a growing chorus of protests.

Hot date for Shiseido as new extract promotes eyelash growth

Hot date for Shiseido as new extract promotes eyelash growth

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Cosmetics manufacturer Shiseido has developed its latest Zizyphus jujuba fruit extract, commonly known as jujube or red date, that has been proven to help eyelashes grow longer through promoting their growth rate.

Hair’s to a good year for Unilever

Hair’s to a good year for Unilever

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Thanks to a strong fourth quarter in the hair care segment, Unilever signed off a good year of growth in Personal Care, as well as its other consumer categories, with the announcement of its full year results.

Governments at UN forum agree on treaty to tackle mercury emissions

Governments at UN forum agree on treaty to tackle mercury emissions

By Michelle Yeomans

After meeting at a UN forum last week, global governments have agreed on the first legally binding, global treaty to tackle mercury pollution after a recent UNEP report revealed that emissions were on the up particularly in Africa, Asia and South America.

Korean Consumer Agency finds high mercury levels in cosmetics

Korean Consumer Agency finds high mercury levels in cosmetics

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

At a time when mercury emission in consumer products has gone under the spotlight, a Korean consumer watchdog has highlighted the high levels of the toxic chemical found in some whitening cosmetics imported from China.

Li & Fung acquires cosmetic brand owner Lornamead

Li & Fung acquires cosmetic brand owner Lornamead

By Simon Pitman

Hong Kong-based consumer goods group Li & Fung has acquired Lornamead Acquisitions and its subsidiaries for $190 million, securing a significant portfolio of personal care brands.