PhytoSpherix™ Hair – Plant-based glycogen for hair longevity

PhytoSpherix™ is a botanical glycogen that redefines hair vitality by fueling follicles with natural, targeted energy. By replenishing the hair’s own energy reserves, it boosts follicle activity, accelerates growth, and promotes fuller, denser hair – perfectly aligned with today’s hair longevity movement. Its unique energizing mechanism supports optimal hair growth performance and rejuvenates hair from … Read more

Kromboost™: Protein Bioactive for Hair Longevity 

Provital introduces Kromboost™, a protein bioactive designed to preserve the functional life of the hair fiber by strengthening hair, hydrating and protecting dyed color under thermal and chemical stress. Upcycled from barley malt rootlets, a craft beer brewing byproduct sourced locally, Kromboost™ is obtained through an enzymatic hydrolysis process that yields peptides and polyphenols, enhanced … Read more

Strategies for Thinning Hair

Hair and scalp products are increasingly presented through the number and novelty of their 
active ingredients. For formulators, however, the more relevant question is whether those 
materials perform distinct and compatible functions in a product that can be used consistently. The evidence must then support the finished formula and the specific claims made for it.

Formulations: Body Care

Body care is essential for consumers to feel comfortable in their skin and has become an integral part of daily beauty and self-care routines. Today, body care formulations increasingly feature active ingredients traditionally associated with facial skincare. These formulations reflect current trends in the body care market..

IOI Oleo

A new personal care application and innovation center opened in Penang, Malaysia, on September 4. The facility is designed to support customers across the Asia-Pacific region with consumer insights, formulation expertise, and product development. During the opening event, participants explored current beauty trends and worked with formulation experts in the application lab. One practical demonstration … Read more

Monteloeder

New preclinical research provides insights into how a polyphenol-rich botanical combination may support hair follicle function and resilience. The formulation combines standardized extracts of lemon verbena, olive leaf, Japanese pagoda tree, and rosemary and contains bioactive compounds including verbascoside, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, quercetin, carnosol, and carnosic acid. The study, published in Biomolecules in August 2026, investigated … Read more

Rekrill

A new 100% bio-based polymer has been developed to address both requirements and support the direction set by the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Made from renewable raw materials, the material is designed to provide performance comparable to conventional petrochemical-based plastics. Unlike many bio-based alternatives that require separate end-of-life pathways, it can enter … Read more

China’s Beauty Market

The Chinese cosmetic market in 2025 was characterized by a profound structural transformation, moving from mass-market expansion to high-quality, brand-driven competition. The market is defined by the ascendance of domestic brands, increasingly rational and sophisticated 
consumer habits, and a dynamic but challenging competitive landscape.

Interview: More Than Makeup

Hybrid cosmetics combine high-performance makeup with proven skincare benefits, meeting growing demand for effective, convenient and multifunctional beauty solutions. Hydration, skin longevity and barrier support are shaping the next generation of color cosmetics.

A Promising Material

In recent years, the packaging sector has come under increasing scrutiny, as brands seek to reconcile aesthetic expectations, 
technical properties, regulatory constraints, and environmental responsibility. This growing ­focus has accelerated the exploration of alternative materials and production methods.

Hair care innovation inspired by urban beauty

Healthy-looking hair starts with formulations that balance performance and sensory appeal. Inspired by Miami, a city known for its vibrant energy, confidence, and nonstop movement, Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions developed the Inmotion Hair Bonding Mask to showcase innovative ingredient solutions for modern hair care.  The formulation is designed to help enhance smoothness, manageability, … Read more

Eco Packaging The Post-Plastic Era

Innovation in cosmetic packaging is no longer driven solely by design or functionality, but increasingly 
involves the choice of materials. Growing attention toward reducing the use of fossil resources has 
accelerated the research into bio-based solutions. However, the real challenge for the industry does not simply lie in replacing conventional plastic with a material derived from renewable sources. A new material must meet the same requirements demanded by the market: processability, consistency, aesthetic quality, compatibility with production lines, and stable mechanical performance.

Gattefossé

Gattefossé has introduced a preservative-free version of its “Gatuline“ Link n Lift active ingredient for eye care formulations. The new grade has the same chemical composition and technical specifications as the original and is designed to provide equivalent performance while supporting preservative-free formulations. Derived from organically cultivated horse chestnut flowers and produced using Natural Deep Eutectic … Read more

in-cosmetics Asia

in-cosmetics Asia will return to Bangkok from November 3–5, 2026, with more than 770 exhibitors, marking its largest edition to date. The event will focus on key developments in personal care, including skin longevity, biotechnology, next-generation active ingredients, high-performance formulations, and sensory beauty. A new Fragrance Zone will feature a Scent Bar, a fragrance showcase, … Read more

Act Beauty

Act Beauty is expanding its full-service makeup and skincare capabilities following the acquisition of Lavay in 2024. The group is integrating formulation, sourcing, accessories, packaging, quality management, and regulatory oversight to support brands across the product development process. Lavay adds established expertise in makeup and skincare development, an industrial partner network, and experience in regulatory, … Read more

Suncare innovation, designed for performance

Today’s consumers expect sun protection to integrate seamlessly into their daily skincare routines. Inspired by Tokyo, a city known for efficiency, precision, and innovation, Ingredients + Specialties from Univar Solutions’ Inmotion Sun Face Lotion SPF 30 was developed to support mineral suncare formulations while maintaining an elegant sensory experience.  Its water-in-oil formulation is designed to … Read more

From Greenwashing to Greentrusting

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.

Competitive Advantage

Over the past several years, we have noticed a significant shift in how companies approach ­sustainable packaging. What was once primarily driven by environmental responsibility 
and brand positioning is increasingly becoming a question of competitiveness, resilience, 
and long-term economics.

Brenntag

Brenntag has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Cargill for the Mexican personal care market. Under the agreement, Brenntag will distribute Cargill Beauty’s portfolio of nature-derived ingredients for skin care, hair care, color cosmetics, and oral care applications. The collaboration combines Cargill’s ingredient expertise with Brenntag’s distribution network, technical support, and market knowledge, with … Read more

2026 Innovation Awards – Finalists

London Packaging Week has announced 87 finalists for its 2026 Innovation Awards, selected from hundreds of international entries across 18 categories. The shortlisted projects cover luxury, beauty, premium drinks, food, consumer goods, and sustainability, with a focus on commercial, environmental, and consumer value. Key trends include the growing use of fiber-based materials, increasingly sophisticated mono-material … Read more