Finished Products

We use a wide variety of different cosmetic products every day. These may inadvertently contain or be contaminated with substances in various ways, but not every substance compromises the safety and tolerability of cosme-tic products. As part of the safety assessment of a cosmetic product, consideration is given to the toxicological relevance of a substance and whether it may have a harmful effect on the consumer.

As European rules on green claims tighten, the challenge for cosmetic brands is no longer to find something green to say, but to say only what can be proven – and to build communication that holds up under scrutiny. Green claims carry the most weight when they are not, in the marketing sense, claims at all, but the natural output of how a business operates.

The cosmetics industry has long been driven by the pursuit of aesthetic perfection. Luxurious textures, captivating fragrances, and visually appealing packaging are paramount. However, consumers are increasingly demanding that beauty brands prioritize eco-friendliness alongside aesthetics. Palm oil-derived 
ingredients offer a compelling solution, enabling brands to achieve both 
aesthetic excellence and genuine environmental responsibility, despite some public misunderstanding of the rigorous standards sustainable palm oil adheres too.

Customers are opting for brands that are sustainable due to increased concerns about ethical sourcing and the environmental footprint of skincare products. Through 2028, the organic skincare products’ market is projected to grow by US$ 2.98 billion at a compound annual growth rate of 8.8%. Due to the trend towards products developed using non-synthetic and herbal products, the skincare industry is set to drive the coming years.

For both brands and consumers, solid product formats offer a timeless, versatile, and extremely functional option – from the classic soap bar 
for day-to-day use to high-performance shampoo and conditioning bars that offer mild, yet effective cleansing and moisturizing capabilities. 
And all that while using less water…

As 2025 approaches, Stephenson expects the beauty industry to continue working on the development of new-generation products that couple functionality and efficacy, with natural and sustainable ingredients while reducing water consumption and packaging. 
In addition, today’s beauty and personal care products must not only meet the expectations of informed consumers but also satisfy a brand’s requirement for manufacturing speed and efficacy. 
This is the view of Stephenson’s marketing manager Tim Pulleyn and product manager Charlotte Gronan, as they weigh in on some of their top trends to watch in the year ahead.

Scents in cosmetic products are not just about fragrance; they are integral to consumer experience, offering emotional, psychological, and wellness benefits that influence purchasing decisions and brand loyalty. In a crowded market, scent serves as a differentiating factor for brands, it can enhance a brand’s storytelling and marketing, enticing consumers to explore and purchase products.  It can help consumers linger and explore different products from a familiar brand to test out new sensorial/
olfactory experiences.

With sustainability one of the most important trends in 2024, there are movements to use more eco-friendly ways of packaging in the cosmetic industry too.

According to Mintel, safety conscious consumers are fuelling the market for sensitive skin products. Often, products marketed for sensitive skin are likely to be associated with quality.

This week Mintel focuses on holistic beauty, a trend which has been gaining momentum with growing health awareness and the establishment of a more sophisticated view of wellness. Here we review a selection of products which are multiuse satisfying the necessary clean credentials.