Skin care

Mary Kay further invests in China

20-Feb-2014

In a move which counters that of some of its retreating rivals, US beauty brand Mary Kay is looking to establish itself further in China with the purchase of an office building in Shanghai.

Korean brand Cosmax moves into L’Oréal's territory

20-Feb-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

South Korean cosmetics company Cosmax continues its efforts to become a well-known global brand with its move into former L'Oreal corporate offices.

Mibelle Biochemistry unveils anti-ageing snow algae extract

19-Feb-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

An extract of snow algae can protect the skin against environmental stress factors and improve the barrier function and has been developed by Mibelle Biochemistry. Here, Dr Fred Zülli gives Cosmetics Design an exclusive insight.

Asia in Focus

Cosmetic brands develop ‘anti-pollution’ products for China

19-Feb-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

This month CosmeticsDesign-Asia.com is focusing on China’s skin care market where our expert, Florence Bernardin, having just returned from her most recent trip there, reports the rise of beauty products claiming to protect the skin against air pollution.

Researchers shine new light on molecular changes responsible for skin discoloration

19-Feb-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Scientists have uncovered the molecular roots of skin discolouration suggesting the possibility of new treatments for pigmentation changes seen in conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

China’s online market still ripe at home

18-Feb-2014 By Lucy Whitehouse

VIPshop, a prominent Chinese flash sales site, has acquired a majority stake of cosmetics e-store Lefeng for $132.5 million, in an expansion which confirms that China’s e-commerce beauty market continues to strengthen.

Scientists discover link between skin problems and stress molecule… by chance!

12-Feb-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Researchers have discovered a new, surprising link between chloracne and a molecule that protects cells against stress, which could lead to further developments in skin care applications.

China luxury goods market to slow down in 2014

11-Feb-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

According to market consultants, Bain & Co, China’s luxury goods market has slowed from 7% growth in 2012 to around 2% in 2013, with expectations of similar figures in 2014.

Synthetic spider silk research to benefit cosmetics

05-Feb-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Scientists at Utah State University (USU) have been perfecting the development of spider silk protein for more than 20 years so that it can be used in more commercial applications like cosmetics.

Japanese men investing in anti-ageing products

04-Feb-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

With Chinese, Japanese and Korean males indicated to be the most active consumers of grooming products, preferences have long grown from aftershave and shaving foam staples and innovation in skin care is booming to cater to this demand.

Scientists' further understanding of pathway to protect skin from sun exposure

30-Jan-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Scientists have identified key elements of the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) activated pathway and how a specific protein can mediate the skin’s response which could lead to better methods of protecting the skin from sun exposure.

The squalene debate: China under the spotlight for cosmetics focused slaughters

30-Jan-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Despite various cosmetic companies investing in more sustainable alternatives to squalene, some specialised producers have been found to still be dealing in the shark liver in China.

CFDA publishes amendment of cosmetic registration

29-Jan-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

China’s FDA has welcomed public comments on the amendment of new cosmetic ingredient registration management rules.

Thai men’s skin care market holds vast opportunity, says Euromonitor

23-Jan-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

There is a great opportunity for both international and local manufacturers to target men’s skin care in Thailand as it seeks to follow in the footsteps of South Korea, says market researcher Euromonitor.

Halal holds just 4% of cosmetics market despite vast Muslim population

22-Jan-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

With the global cosmetics market placed at $335 billion, the halal segment still remains relatively small in comparison to the 1.6 billion Muslim population made up of potential consumers.   

Wacker to strengthen presence in India with center expansion

22-Jan-2014

Chemicals company Wacker is strengthening its presence in India by opening its expanded technical center for silicone products in Amtala near Kolkata. 

Japanese luxury cosmetics segment seeing success

21-Jan-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Japanese cosmetic giants may now start to invest in bespoke facial care after seeing brands like Shiseido, Kao and Kose Corp cashing in on consumer demand for luxury products despite the recession in recent years.

Unilever and L’Oreal hit back at mercury, chromium and nickel claims

21-Jan-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Cosmetic giants Unilever and L’Oreal have hit back at activist group, Centre for Science and Environment over claims that metals like mercury, chromium and nickel are in their products.  

P&G develops first approved non-animal alternative for skin allergy testing

17-Jan-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Procter & Gamble scientists announce a milestone having developed the first non-animal alternative method for skin allergy testing approved by European authority.

India’s cosmetics industry set to treble

14-Jan-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

The retail beauty and cosmetics market in India,  currently estimated at $950 million, is predicted to grow to $2.68 billion by the year 2020.

Valeant venture to take skin polymer technology to 'new level'

13-Jan-2014 By Michelle Yeomans

Valeant Pharmaceuticals has joined forces with a beauty device maker in an effort to reshape the polymer film technology for the skin care category and bring it to a new level.

A smoothie way to improve skin appearance

07-Jan-2014 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A group of university students have taken to a specially designed smoothie diet in an attempt to see if it will help improve skin appearance.

Update: India to ban importing animal-tested cosmetics

19-Dec-2013 By Chris BARKER

India is in the process of developing a bill which will prohibit animal-tested cosmetics from being imported into the country, according to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization.

2013: A year of rising awareness for sustainable palm oil

19-Dec-2013 By Chris BARKER

With palm oil becoming one of the most important ingredients used by many cosmetics companies, sustainability has become a hot-button issue in 2013.

Singapore team discover skin cell ‘bridge’ to aid skin regeneration

18-Dec-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have discovered that outer skin cells are able to unite to form suspended ‘bridges’ during wound healing, which opens up the possibility for advances in skin regeneration.

Hong Kong cosmetics market 'yet to reach its peak'

18-Dec-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

Specialty cosmetics chain Sa Sa reckons the HK market has yet to peak as it sees a major shift in shopping trends amongst certain consumer groups.

Online retail the wave of the future for Asia-Pacific region

18-Dec-2013 By Chris BARKER

E-commerce is becoming an increasingly important trend throughout the world, but nowhere more than in the Asia-Pacific region with its fast-growing base of internet users and enormous population.

South Korea proposes to recognize animal testing alternatives

17-Dec-2013 By Chris BARKER

Another country may soon be moving towards alternatives to animal testing, as South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has created a policy proposal to recognize these methods for functional cosmetics.

Exclusive

BASF to offer ‘Everlasting Beauty’ program following extensive research

17-Dec-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Chemicals company BASF has launched its latest program focusing on the three anti-ageing actions of prevention, maintenance and correction having used its vast consumer research to identify what the market was asking for.

Carol Priest Natural Cosmetics acquired by Plantier Developments, targets Asian expansion

17-Dec-2013 By Simon Pitman

New Zealand-based organic and natural cosmetic brand Carol Priest Natural Cosmetics has now been fully acquired by Plantier Developments, and is targeting expansion in Asia-Pacific.

L’Occitane CEO says Asia expansion continues despite 'key issues'

12-Dec-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

The Mediterranean cosmetics boutique has announced its plans to further expand in Macau, an area its CEO believes “is worth” obstacles like high rent or insufficient labour.

Popularity of multifunctional products expected to continue in China in 2014

12-Dec-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The ‘Mixologiste’ trend of multifunctional products blurring the lines between different markets and technologies is on that is already popular and China and is expected to grow in the future in the region.

Euromonitor analyst identifies key male skin care trends

11-Dec-2013 By Chris BARKER

Men's skin care markets are becoming polarized between the simple and the complex, as Euromonitor beauty and personal care analyst Nicole Tyrimou identifies the key trends in this developing cosmetics field as simplicity and multi-functionality.

Asia in Focus

Expert reveals emerging segment in re-structuring Asian skin

11-Dec-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

Whilst consumers in each market prioritise different beauty regimes, our expert reveals a new segment emerging that caters to all skin reconstruction efforts.

FDA issues new warning on mercury cosmetics

11-Dec-2013 By Chris BARKER

The FDA has issued a warning on 15 illegal skin whitening products, many of containing dangerous heavy metals, discovered being imported into the Philippines.

Revlon ordered to test cancer-linked cosmetics in Vietnam

11-Dec-2013

Cosmetics company Revlon is facing another obstacle as the Vietnamese Drug Administration orders an investigation into claims that their personal care products contain cancer-causing chemicals.

University of Michigan research calls for 'better sunscreens'

11-Dec-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

UM scientists have found that even low levels of exposure to ultraviolet A1 or UVA1 can cause damage at the molecular level after just a few days.

Record number of companies 'offsetting' palm kernel oil

10-Dec-2013 By Chris BARKER

Record numbers of palm kernel oil producers are offsetting their production by supporting sustainable growers, according to certification company Green Palm.

Tide turns on ‘West is best’ mind set

10-Dec-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

 For Asia's home grown brands that have been working tirelessly to change the “West is best" mind-set with cosmetic consumers, it appears their efforts have paid off as the tide begins to turn...

Facial masks creep on to the radar for U.S. beauty consumers

04-Dec-2013 By Simon Pitman

They have long been on the beauty shopping list for Asian consumers, but U.S. consumers are now also starting to pick up facial masks, claims major manufacturer Taiki.

ACCC finds no foundation in complaint against sunscreen companies

04-Dec-2013 By Chris BARKER

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has rejected complaints by environmental groups against the marketing of two companies’ sunscreen as “nano-free.”

Oriflame warehouse fire will affect service in 2014

04-Dec-2013 By Chris BARKER

A fire which destroyed one of Oriflame’s main warehouses in the vicinity of New Delhi is likely to have an effect on service levels in India in 2013 and the first quarter of 2014, according to the company.

Korean cosmetics continues success on AP markets

04-Dec-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

As Korean cosmetics brands continue to see success on their neighbouring AP markets, factors such as affordability and an ever expanding male grooming segment are found to be the key driving forces.

DTAB recommends ban on importing animal-tested cosmetics

03-Dec-2013 By Chris BARKER

The Indian Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has recommended an import ban on cosmetics which have been tested on animals, according to animal rights organization Humane Society International.

Active ingredient dosage so important in anti-aging says biotech firm

02-Dec-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

You can have the most revolutionary ingredient on the market but it is the dosage that can be the most crucial thing, according to a skin care expert.

AmorePacific reports sales increase, profit slump

28-Nov-2013 By Chris BARKER

South Korean cosmetics company AmorePacific has reported a decrease in Q3 profits as a result of poor overseas markets and investment and marketing activities for new products.

Another pharma giant targets India derma-cosmetic brands

28-Nov-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

Italian pharmaceutical conglomerate Menarini is buying out an established derma-cosmetics product portfolio in an effort to strengthen its operations across various industries in India.  

Skin whitening update: Kanebo denies postponing legal plea

27-Nov-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

According to Japanese media reports, Kanebo has requested the courts dismiss consumer claims that its’ skin whitening products has caused damages.

L’Oreal India predicts double digit profit increase for 2014

26-Nov-2013 By Chris BARKER

According to a report by Indian paper The Economic Times, L’Oreal India has predicted 'double-digit' turnover increase for 2013, which would put the company slightly behind its results for 2012.

Japanese ingredient takes off in US BFW products

25-Nov-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

A plant-based compound with a long history in Japanese cosmetic formulations is now gaining popularity on the US markets as the West starts to recognise its efficacious properties.