Skin care

Guest Blog

Future Beauty Trends: Finding the right target

25-Nov-2013 By Imogen Matthews

The recent Beauty Futures Forum conducted by trends forecasting agency 'The Future Laboratory' identified what we can expect next in terms of original concepts and different ways of targeting beauty consumers post-recession. Here, our expert...

Could 'escargot' facials have a knock on effect on cosmetic demand?

21-Nov-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

A Tokyo spa specializing in ‘celeb escargot’ facials is offering consumers access to a higher concentration of snail mucus which may see cosmetic products with smaller amounts of the extract left on the shelf.

Japanese health and beauty sales beat recession downturn

21-Nov-2013 By Chris BARKER

Health and beauty shops in Japan have avoided the country’s general economic malaise to post respectable growth from 2007-2012, according to statistics from Euromonitor and the Global Retail Theft Barometer for 2012-2013.

Ground-breaking anti-aging discovery from Antarctic fish gets L’Oréal excited

20-Nov-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Vancouver-based biotech firm Sirona Biochem has developed its latest secret to anti-aging from an unexpected place – Antarctic fish; and cosmetics companies are keen to adopt the new technology.

L’Oréal turns attention to testing alternatives in China as it ramps up regional business

20-Nov-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

As the biggest cosmetics company in the world, and one of the most active in China, with new plans announced to ramp up operations further, L’Oréal has come under scrutiny over its stance of doing business in a country that requires animal testing on...

Men’s grooming opportunity for ingredient suppliers could see further growth

20-Nov-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Men’s grooming products are becoming more sophisticated than ever before, meaning that manufacturers must find suitable ingredients for easy incorporation, leading to host of new concepts introduced by suppliers.

Asia in Focus

Asian formulators up their game with multifunctional face masks

14-Nov-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

Who knew the popularity potential of a face mask? Well not just any old face mask, but the upgraded Asian treatment trend that is promising the equivalent of a concentrated essence in a more affordable way...

Inside track: Regulatory expert explains CFDA non-animal testing decision

14-Nov-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

Yesterday, Cosmetics Design reported on the CFDA’s recent decision to allow some cosmetic companies to bypass animal testing on their products. We spoke to the Chemical Inspection & Regulation Service in China to break down the specifics of the adjusted guidelines.

New Delhi implements differentiation to determine cosmetics levy excise duties

05-Nov-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

The Supreme Court in New Delhi has implemented a "cure or care" differentiation to separate medicinal products from cosmetics in a bid to avoid confusion as to when suppliers will need to pay a levy of central excise duties.  

Nu Skin makes further investment as Operation China ramps up

30-Oct-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Having announced plans to invest more in China and with sales booming in the region, as per its financial results released earlier in the month, Nu Skin will now look to finish the building of its Innovation Park in Shanghai.

Unilever brand apologises for skin whitening campaign in Thailand

29-Oct-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A Thai subsidiary of cosmetics brand Citra, owned by Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever, has apologised for a controversial competition asking students to promote its skin whitening product.

Oriflame further invests in stem cell technology field

23-Oct-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

The Sweden-based cosmetic company has invested in a new plant that will solely focus on the cultivation of plant stem cell cultures as it further aims to develop stronger anti-ageing ingredients that can boost and rejuvenate the skin.

An insight into anti-ageing: R&D is vital

23-Oct-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Scientific backing is to have a big say in the future growth of the anti-ageing arena as manufacturers look to meet more consumers and create a feeling of trust, according to Datamonitor International Consumer Insights analyst Daniel Bone.

Synthetic tea tree oil puts both cosmetics consumers and genuine suppliers at risk, producer claims

22-Oct-2013 By Simon Pitman

Synthetic and uncertified tea tree oil has been flooding the market for years now, and is cropping up in cosmetic products worldwide causing big problems for both consumers and manufacturers, a leading supplier of the ingredient claims.

Market expert finds cosmetics sector growing, despite China slow-down

22-Oct-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

According to its most recent report on the China cosmetics market, Reportlinker revealed that despite being affected by a slow-down in the economy, the sector has tripled in terms of growth in the last ten years.

Donkey milk cosmetics - crème de la crème for Asian consumers

22-Oct-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

Cleopatra swore by it, bathing daily in asses' milk as part of her beauty regime. Now the spotlight is back on it as Asian cosmetics consumers, particularly those in Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea and China are said to be favouring it in anti-ageing...

Men are ready for colour cosmetics says Future Touch expert

22-Oct-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Whilst many people are still not convinced by men’s cosmetics, Future-Touch founder Antoinette van den Berg believes the market is ready and more willing to accept these products in the future.

L’Oréal paves the way to acquire two brands from Shiseido

18-Oct-2013 By Simon Pitman

L’Oréal has confirmed a draft agreement that will see it acquire the Decléor and Carita professional skin care brands from Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido.

Nu Skin ready to make $200m investment in China

17-Oct-2013 By Simon Pitman

Nu Skin is looking to further grow its already extensive footprint in the China market by making a $200m investment in its manufacturing and logistical operations there.

Gattefossé launches new ingredient targeting blotchy combination skin

16-Oct-2013 By Simon Pitman

France-based active ingredients supplier Gattefossé is targeting the Asia Pacific market with the launch of its new ingredient that focuses on treating blemishes and oily combination skins.

Scientists develop technology that looks deeper at the skin repair system

15-Oct-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

A team of researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois have developed a tool that can visualize cellular-level structural and biomechanical data to provide new insight into complex processes in...

Entering the age of the ‘super sunscreen’: Study highlights protection against cancer

10-Oct-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A study carried out by researchers in Australia has opened the doors for the development of ‘super sunscreens’ to assist in the repair of sun damaged skin and protect the p53 gene which helps to prevent skin cancer.

Lubrizol ups its Asia focus with new centre in Singapore

10-Oct-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Lubrizol has strengthened its presence in Asia with the opening of its new Innovation Centre in Singapore, which will have a positive impact on its personal care offerings.

Kao reinforces business with research & production divisions

09-Oct-2013

To fortify the Group's cosmetics business, Kao says it will integrate research and production divisions that will specifically support its cosmetics business operations.

L’Oreal still dominating China with 12.4% growth

08-Oct-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

According to the latest market research, L’Oreal remains a domineering force in China’s cosmetics sector as it achieves RMB12.05 billion in 2012, less than 20 years after wading into the country’s then, underdeveloped markets.

Amway consolidates China as its no.1 market

08-Oct-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

When direct sales player Amway made efforts to expand beyond its US markets back in 1995 to crack China, it appears to have been a bold move that has more than paid off, as almost 20 years on, the country provides 90% of its business.

L’Oreal Australia chooses Carat to engage customers digitally

02-Oct-2013 By Chris BARKER

Cosmetics giant L’Oreal Australia has revealed that they have chosen Carat for their marketing needs in order to engage customers through both new and old media.

Asia in Focus

Expert highlights the 'power of the travelling Chinese consumer'

02-Oct-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

As the Chinese consumer becomes the number-one luxury spender in the world, our expert reckons US and European prestige brand managers are suddenly paying closer attention to their overseas spending behaviour.

Merck launches new skin care actives

01-Oct-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Ingredients supplier Merck has launched new cosmetics actives and invited CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com down to give us an exclusive insight on the skin care ingredients.

Scientists encourage ‘safer’ rutile form of TiO2 in cosmetics

26-Sep-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Research originating in Torino, Italy is encouraging sunscreen and cosmetics formulators to use the rutile form of titanium dioxide rather than anatase as tests have suggested it is safer.

Indonesia and Thailand among promising markets for professional skin care: Kline

25-Sep-2013 By Katie Nichol

Market researcher Kline has identified seven untapped markets for professional skin care, including South Africa, Thailand and Indonesia, and will be providing expanded coverage of these markets in the 10th edition of its Professional Skin Care Global...

Increased tariffs will see knock-on affect in India cosmetics market

25-Sep-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

The Assam government in north-eastern India has increased VAT on cosmetics from 12.5 to 13.5 per cent, which regional industry experts reckon will trigger a knock on effect in terms of price despite the rise only being that of one per cent.

Croda acquires Sipo to boost emerging market expansion

24-Sep-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Ingredients player Croda has received regulatory approval from Chinese authorities to acquire a majority stake in Sichuan Sipo Chemical, as it looks to boost its presence in Asia and other emerging markets.

Asia in focus

Cosmetic brands see lucrative opps in Korea thanks to surgery demand

17-Sep-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

An increasing demand for facial surgery in South Korea is providing lucrative opportunities for international skin care brands to develop pre-or post-surgery products – if not ranges that could ultimately replace the need for surgery in the long run.

IMAN reveals Asian and Spanish women have similar skin care needs

12-Sep-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

The first multi-ethnic global cosmetic brand has likened Asian, Spanish and African skin tones as being similar and revealed that what most brands don’t realise is each ethnic group is experiencing the same challenges when it comes to cosmetics.

Food for thought… and for skin! Mibelle develops new orange peel active

11-Sep-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Swiss ingredients company Mibelle Biochemistry has developed its latest skin active with moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties derived from the peel of citrus fruits.

BRB invests in Asia-Pacific to support its growth in personal care

10-Sep-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

The silicone producer is the latest to expand its Asian footprint by broadening its Malaysian industrial efforts in a bid to further integrate new ingredients that it reckons the industry is in need of.

Top cosmetics firms guilty of overpackaging in China

09-Sep-2013 By Chris BARKER

Olay, L’Oreal and Nivea have been found guilty of using too much packaging for their products in Chinese markets.

Malaysia’s halal cosmetic market grows by a third

05-Sep-2013 By Chris BARKER

Malaysia’s halal cosmetics exports grew by a third from 2010 to 2012, according to the Muslim organization Industry Development Corporation (HDC).

Kanebo's 'slow' product recall: blame Kao

05-Sep-2013 By Chris BARKER

The Japanese company has been accused of not responding fast enough to skin whitening complaints, however Cosmetics Design spoke to reps that reveal its parent company Kao had to give them the nod first.    

Cosmetics Bill introduced after receiving parliament seal of approval

03-Sep-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

A new Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Bill has been introduced by the Indian government that includes the establishment of a Central Drugs Authority as an overarching body to regulate cosmetics.

CIQ reminds it still implements labeling reviews of imported cosmetics

03-Sep-2013

The China Exit-Entry Inspection and Quarantine Bureau (CIQ) has reconfirmed that it is still responsible for implementing the labeling review of imported cosmetics at Chinese ports, despite State efforts to abolish provisions.

Voice of the Industry

"Men aren't difficult to communicate with, skin care brands just haven’t done a good job at it," says expert

27-Aug-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

That expert is Simon Duffy, co-founder of ‘Bulldog Natural Skincare’, the fastest growing men's skin care brand in the UK, who reckons that despite recent research indicating that men are abandoning grooming because of unemployment statistics; the...

Kanebo searches for source of mysterious "skin whitening" effect

26-Aug-2013 By Chris BARKER

As the number of complaints about its skin lightening products climbs to more than 7,000, Asian cosmetics giant Kanebo continues to search for the root cause of the phenomenon.

Acceptance and pride gives men’s skin care the all clear in South Korea

15-Aug-2013 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The men’s skin care market is booming in South Korea thanks to acceptance of product use and the willingness to look good in the professional environment, despite China’s market size estimated to be bigger.

Study finds China takes shine to South Korean cosmetics

15-Aug-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

Cosmetic companies like AmorePacific are investing in China's beauty and personal care market which is estimated to be worth $34 billion this year, after its revealed that Chinese consumers favour South Korean cosmetics.

Assocham survey finds Delhi youth spends most on cosmetics

13-Aug-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

According to the industry researcher, youths spend big on cosmetics - as over 75 per cent of those surveyed reported their branded cosmetic consumption to have gone up by about 65 per cent in last ten years.

Australia gov NICNAS udates cosmetics guidelines

13-Aug-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

The National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme has revised its' Australian/New Zealand sunscreen Standard to incorporate two categories of cosmetic sunscreen products (face/nail and skin care).

Expired Estee Lauder & Elizabeth Arden batches amongst "unqualified" list

08-Aug-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

According to a list released last week by China's AQSIQ, certain batches of prestigious international brands such as Estée Lauder, Elizabeth Arden and L'Occitane were found for sale on the market, despite being way past their sell by date.

Cosmetics recalled after failing ACCC testing

06-Aug-2013 By Michelle Yeomans

Following an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission product safety survey, three cosmetic products have been recalled after showing to have contained dangerous levels of microbial contamination.