International Magazine for Cosmetics and Fragrances
Sustainability is the catchphrase par excellence when you ask about current trends and demands regarding cosmetic products. Consumers themselves can change a lot with their behaviour – for example when showering. With an improved formulation, brands can support them in this while strengthening their sustainable reputation.
Few trends have remained a constant in the way ‘clean beauty’ has, with consumers continuing to opt for products that feature natural ingredients. Similarly, the category of clinically proven skincare products has emerged as a big parallel trend. Current studies show how both trends can be united.
DEI (Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion) tends to be part of the agenda for all corpo-rations because it’s a mandatory aspect in today’s leadership and part of compliant corporate governance. Hence, the mother of all diversity causes – women in leadership – should by now be the ‘new normal’ with women playing a vital role not just in politics but in boardrooms across the world.
Sustainable packaging is increasingly in demand. While monomaterial solutions and less material are sustainable, they are difficult to implement in practice. Aude Laclaire talks about the status and which steps must be considered in the development.
Sunscreens add a significant value to society in protecting skin and human health. Nevertheless, recent concerns refer to the effect some UV-filters may have on human and/or environment safety. Specifically, this affects octocrylene (OCR) and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC) discredited for different reasons, resulting in a sharp demand towards replacing UV-filter systems of past decades.
For the sun protection factor in the finished product to work reliably, a dependable formulation is essential. But not all active ingredients are photostable. Dr Shaher Duchi and Dr Danny Goldstein show how microencapsulation technology improves the performance of avobenzone.
When chemical systems and biological systems are in demand, that is exactly his metier. Dr Fernando Ibarra knows the cosmetics industry, its demands and needs inside out. The member of the COSSMA Expert Advisory Board talks about the possible weaknesses of the industry and where the road must lead in the coming years.
When we talk to others, the face is the first thing we perceive. Skin care products and colour cosmetics therefore play an important role in feeling and looking good. We present a selection of formulations and ingredient suppliers that reflects the latest developments.
As a result of the Russian war in Ukraine, energy prices have skyrocketed to unimaginable heights. With extensive energy cost relief packages, national governments are trying to mitigate the dramatic effects on their economies and private households. For companies, there is a need for action on various fronts. These measures apply in Germany, Poland, and the UK, for example.
Naturality | The cosmetics industry needs to innovate in its formulations to meet consumer expectations and address environmental challenges. Dr Isabell Jaouen explains the current difficulties in moving towards more natural ingredients.
New technologies | The call for personalised products is getting louder – also in the cosmetics industry. This is not only about the cosmetic formulations that are applied to the skin, but about devices to help analyse, compose, and formulate individualised products. Patrick Williams knows the market and what the devices need to be able to do
Pro- and postbiotic | Not only in nutrition, but also in cosmetics, the effect of pro- and postbiotic ingredients is appreciated as health-promoting. However, the use of these claims in the beauty sector must be used with caution. Harald von der Hoeven knows which conditions must be met for which designation.
Guide | To tackle the international waste problem, one popular approach is to recycle the plastic packaging we already have. But the definition of ‘recyclability’ differs significantly globally. Vivan Loftin knows the problems and presents initial approaches to solving them.
Formulations | In all areas of the cosmetics industry – even in the mass market – customers’ desire for individualised products is becoming increasingly important. From the brands’ point of view, there are various ways to meet this. Lorraine Denois presents the Blend It Yourself trend.
Packaging | The desire for sustainability in cosmetic products is great. But what does this mean for packaging in the near future? Daniel Traub knows how the market is developing and what will become more and more important next year.
Contamination | Microbiological quality plays an essential role in cosmetics to ensure a good product and to protect consumers. Dr Bernhard Fellenberg explains what to do if microorganisms are detected and how to classify a possible finding.
Traceability | The ability to track individual products as they make their way through the supply chain provides security and builds trust with the customer. Companies achieve this by providing each product with a unique digital identity.
Sustainability | Finding the perfect balance between ensuring sustainable sourcing, and to also ensure high-growth business development can be hard. Robin Cordier knows what options are available to meet consumer demands for cosmetic products with a low environmental impact.
Reduce waste | Reusable packaging is suitable for reducing the ecological footprint of products and for saving packaging materials and resources. While this has long been established in many areas of life, e.g., drinks, the cosmetics industry seems to be lagging. Ruth Andrade talks about her pioneering work to introduce reusable packaging for cosmetic products
Suitable creams, lotions and exfoliants are available for every skin care need. They nourish and care for the skin and give it a fresh appearance. Here you will find a selection of formulations and ingredient suppliers that compactly reflects the latest trends.