International Magazine for Cosmetics and Fragrances
For decades, the beauty and personal care industry viewed bacteria as something to eliminate, emphasizing deep cleansing and odor removal. Today, microbiome science has fundamentally reshaped that perspective. The skin microbiome is now understood as a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that interact closely with immune and barrier functions, and healthy skin depends not on sterility, but on the balance and functionality of this microbial community.
As the cosmetics industry seeks more sustainable and efficient ways to produce high-performance ingredients, fermentation is emerging as a next-generation manufacturing platform. By converting renewable feedstocks into valuable functional compounds, this biotechnology- driven approach offers a compelling alternative to conventional production methods.
Natural ingredients are gaining ground in skincare, but efficacy now matters as much as origin. Isabelle Jaouen, R&D Director at Alland & Robert, explains how proteomics is revealing gum acacia’s bioactive potential.
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Beautiful hair starts with effective formulations backed by scientific expertise and high-quality ingredients. Innovation is driving the development of products that deliver both performance and consumer appeal. This section presents a selection of new formulations and ingredient suppliers for hair.
Cosmetic brands and their packaging supply partners across Europe are facing what may be the most complex regulatory landscape the industry has ever encountered. While the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will come into effect on August 12, 2026, the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiative has entered its next phase, with the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) set to modulate EPR fees.
The evolution of contemporary dermo-cosmetics is closely linked to the transition from conventional extraction methods to controlled biotechnological processes. Among these, precision bio-fermentation represents one of the most advanced responses to the need to combine high biological efficacy with stringent environmental sustainability criteria and rigorous chemical standardization across batches.
In today’s competitive beauty market, packaging has evolved far beyond its traditional role as a protective shell. It has become a multi-sensory interface, one that guides consumers through touch, light and structure while shaping perception at the very first contact.
Ask the head of R&D at almost any major cosmetics company whether artificial intelligence has a role to play in formulation, and you’ll get an enthusiastic “yes”. Algorithms can explore ingredient combinations at a speed no human team can match. Predictive models promise to compress development timelines. It’s little wonder the industry is convinced.
UV exposure can significantly harm unprotected skin, leading to effects like sunburn and premature aging. That’s why effective sun protection, along with targeted after-sun care, is essential for maintaining healthy, radiant, and youthful-looking skin. Here, we highlight a selection of formulations and ingredient suppliers dedicated to advancing sun care solutions.
The perfumery business is performing well, largely because it is benefiting not just from the opening of new markets, but also from the growth of niche brands, which are seducing growing numbers of consumers. In this context, packaging is part of the equation. Standard or bespoke? It is a legitimate question.
The list of approved preservatives in Annex V of the EU Cosmetics Regulation is extensive – but the way we think about them has changed dramatically. Over the years, the industry has moved away from traditional systems like formaldehyde donors toward more skin-friendly alternatives. Today, preservation is no longer just about protecting the product, but also about protecting the skin – especially when it comes to sensitive skin types.
Cosmetics that emphasize natural, organic, and clean ingredients–alongside a more sustainable approach to the entire product lifecycle–are rapidly gaining popularity. It’s a movement no brand can ignore. Here, you’ll discover a curated selection of formulations and ingredient suppliers that capture today’s most relevant trends.
How next-gen fibers are becoming a strategic imperative for sustainable beauty packaging: Over the last several years, we have all read the headlines – paper packaging is being positioned as the easy alternative to plastic use for beauty companies. The scaling back of plastic use is necessary, and paper is viewed as a simple swap.
Pharmaceutical and personal care manufacturers face increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across their value chains, improve material efficiency, and strengthen supply chains against disruption. Packaging plays a role in all three areas. It must ensure product protection and regulatory compliance, while also influencing Scope 3 GHG emissions, logistics efficiency, and operational continuity.
The luxury fragrance packaging sector is undergoing structural change, driven by shifting brand strategies and evolving consumer expectations. Two developments are particularly notable: the rapid emergence of niche brands in the high-luxury segment and the growing importance of sustainability, often framed as “clean luxury.”
The integration of neuroscience into skincare has revolutionized product development in the personal care market. Traditionally, skincare products have been developed with visible parameters in mind, such as hydration, elasticity, and pigmentation, while new innovations in this space are increasingly focused on the skin-brain axis, which refers to the bidirectional communication network between the central nervous system and skin physiology.
For decades, “anti-aging” has been one of the most powerful concepts in beauty marketing, promising to “fight,” “reverse” or “stop” visible signs of aging. Today, however, this narrative is increasingly seen as outdated. Rather than framing aging as something to combat, consumers are seeking positive and inclusive approaches that respect the skin’s natural evolution.
European cosmetics packaging is being reshaped by regulations, sustainability, and faster product cycles. Centralized, accurate packaging data and supplier integration are now essential for compliance, efficiency, and innovation.
In today’s world of holistic beauty and wellness, a deep treatment, mask, or exfoliation offers a true spa escape from everyday life. Such experiences can benefit not just your skin, but your mind as well. Below, you’ll find a curated selection of formulations and ingredient suppliers that capture the latest trends in the industry.
The natural skincare market has embarked on a critical new chapter from August 2025 to February 2026. The natural ingredients in the market are not just seen as heritage ingredients that evoke the natural clean label connection anymore but are instead being retooled by suppliers and brands as quantifiable biologic performers.