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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Customization has become one of the most powerful drivers of transformation in beauty. Today’s consumers expect far more than just functional products: they are increasingly seeking personalized products and experiences that reflect their identity, values, and aspirations.
Sensitive skin represents one of the most complex challenges in modern skincare formulation. It combines impaired barrier function with heightened nerve reactivity, causing the skin to overrespond to usually harmless stimuli and enter a cycle of dryness, discomfort, and vulnerability.
One of the main tasks is to act as a central contractual partner, coordinating and aligning dif- ferent process steps. This approach helps to simplify procedures, reduce reaction times, and en- sure consistent quality standards. As a result, complex workflows become more transparent, flexibility increases, and outcomes can be achieved within predictable time- frames.
As cosmetics manufacturers work to improve sustainability and cut down on single-use packaging, the spotlight tends to stay on primary, consumer-facing formats. While essential to brand image and customer experience, this often overshadows the substantial impact of bulk upstream packaging–used during manufacturing, storage, and transport.
Every year there are countless trends. Trends for the beauty industry as a whole and those trends for each segment like ingredients, packaging etc. Here in COSSMA’s new trend series, we try to collect as many trends for 2025 as possible. And not just any trends – your most important ones. Which ingredients can not be ignored? How to pack your products now? What tools help to develop the best products? How can we use KI to our advantage? Throughout the year we hopefully will get answers to all those questions… and many more! Let’s stay up to date!
Although they are the smallest target group for the cosmetic industry, they require greatest attention in research and development, production and vigilance: newborns, infants and toddlers.
Few industries are as focused on progress as packaging. In recent years, the sector has been defined by a refusal to do things the way they have always been done. This is integral to drive the shift towards the circular economy – but while material innovation may grab the headlines, ensuring we have the infrastructure and supply chains capable of supporting this new wave of materials is equally important.
Every year there are countless trends. Trends for the beauty industry as a whole and those trends for each segment like ingredients, packaging etc. Here in COSSMA’s new trend series, we try to collect as many trends for 2025 as possible. And not just any trends – your most important ones. Which ingredients can not be ignored? How to pack your products now? What tools help to develop the best products? How can we use KI to our advantage? Throughout the year we hopefully will get answers to all those questions… and many more! Let’s stay up to date!
Veganism is often considered solely in terms of food and diet, but vegan beauty is one of the fastest growing industries with consumers globally. Over the last decade, veganism has gained significant traction worldwide; the number of vegans in the UK quadrupled between 2014 and 2019, while 13% of consumers across Asia identified as vegan in 2021.1
Dipl.-Ing. Michael Mehnert will increasingly focus on the strategic development and will strengthen the operational management of the company in Europe with Mag. Thomas Aigner. Additionally, Martin Hobl and Oliver Griesing have been appointed to the new management team and are ready to lead as an experienced and highly qualified leadership team. www.bekum.com
Fragrances can be essential even for personal care products: they are integral to consumer experience, offering emotional, psychological, and wellness benefits that influence purchasing decisions and brand loyalty. Virginie Pierron Arnault from Givaudan gives insights about the importance of scents and how Givaudan creates fragrances that offer a special moment for the consumer.
The renaissance of traditional hair care: Rice water and rice peptides are revolutionising modern hair care. Among other benefits for skin and health, the natural ingredients help to regenerate and nourish the hair, leaving it smooth and protected.
Applicators are booming. Driven by high-profile celebrity launches and new trends in liquid formulations, beauty brands are looking for packs that allow perfect application. The manufacturer offers a complete range of dip-in packs with matching applicators. These impactful delivery systems are the work of Quadpack’s Creative Hub, leveraging in-house talent in collaboration with innovation partners. … Read more
