The quiet but characteristic crack when opening is probably one of the signatures of ampoules. While this is part of a ritual for many customers, it gives brands the assurance that their valuable formulations are well protected until they are used. Wenke Hermanns knows what other advantages this form of packaging offers and why they are still not being displaced by other solutions.
A hot topic for cosmetics, the revision of the European Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 is coming. Driven by the European Green Deal and the Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS), its impact is expected to be significant. Caroline Bassoni shows the related concepts, associated risks but also some opportunities.
The trend towards natural ingredients in cosmetics and also towards the use of vegetable oils continues to strengthen. Due to their composition, these harbour problems in terms of stability during the product’s shelf life. Arielle Springer and Dr Sandra Kiese present a process to increase the stability of the products.
Various certificates are intended to show customers how environmentally friendly, sustainable, and ethical the respective products are. In the second part of Amarjit Sahota’s article, you can read about labels that reveal more about social influence, the naturalness of ingredients, animal-free schemes, and religious suitability.
Sustainable products are very popular. Not least the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated this rethinking among customers. But where does sustainability begin and how much is possible? Jordi Salas knows how to make a difference here with new technologies and a spirit of innovation.
Upcycling of by-products and waste from the agricultural, beverage, food and fragrance industry is a promising solution to produce valuable ingredients for cosmetics and to have full circularity with a zero-waste approach. Prof Dr Andrea Wanninger and her students show what is currently possible.
Silicones enjoy a dubious reputation: loved for positive properties in cosmetics on the one hand, rejected because of their less environmentally friendly side effects on the other. A plant-based variant of isododecane represents a new alternative to silicone.
Getting rid of non-recyclable materials – the beauty industry is familiar with this wish and demand. But how can this work in the packaging sector? Stefano Manfredini and Harald Pichler are involved in the Bionanopolys research project and explain which trend-setting developments can be expected.
Ingredients derived from hemp and cannabis are becoming increasingly popular. As with many natural ingredients, there are weak points in the production process. The production of cannabinoids through fermentation processes in the laboratory makes it possible to ensure consistent quality in a sustainable way without the need for the cannabis sativa plant.
In the past two years, manufacturers and formulators have repeatedly worried that supply chain problems would restrict or even paralyse production. And the current situation does not necessarily promise relief on the raw materials market either. Julie Carnes knows these problems and how to prepare for them as well as possible.
Since customers like to use products that are easy to use but have a variety of effects, the market for multifunctional active ingredients is growing more and more. Protection and care are also increasingly in demand when it comes to sun protection. Latest research results show that Dunaliella salina has special properties for this topic.
Essential oils are organic compounds which are naturally produced by plants and their properties largely depend on their plant of origin. Their direct use in cosmetic products is limited because they are highly volatile ingredients. Dr Danny Goldstein and Dr Shaher Duchi explain the advantages of the encapsulation.
The demand is great and continues to grow – but what is really behind the label? In fact, the ideas of clean cosmetics are of a different nature. Dr Barbara Olioso knows how important a clear definition would be and in which direction the trend is moving.
Sustainability has become an integral part of the cosmetics industry. One of the manifestations of this development is the rising number of sustainability schemes and ethical labels. Amarjit Sahota gives an overview of the ethical labelling trend in the cosmetics industry.
The coronavirus pandemic has left its mark in the beauty industry. Many companies have adapted to the changed conditions – be it by compensating for temporarily lost business sectors or by adapting to the new needs of customers. Dr Phillippe Ch. Auderset talks about the current situation in Switzerland.
During the last years, cannabidiol has gained increasing interest in the world of cosmetics. Not all skin benefit claims, however, are based on efficacy studies and consumers wonder whether it really has a positive influence on the skin. Dr Katharina Kappler reports on the latest results on the effects of CBD in cosmetics.
Selfcare has taken centre stage, the line between cosmetics and wellness products is blurring, and the demand for multi-functional products and ingredients has never been more important. It’s no secret that versatility is in high demand across the industry.
Smaller order quantities, limited editions, personalised products – the change in the retail shelf landscape is having an impact on the cosmetics industry. If manufacturers want to keep up, a high degree of flexibility is required. Daniel Traub explains the advantages of a compact system that combines many work steps in one unit.
When it comes to makeup, lipstick, and the like, it is not only the colours and their effect that are an important selling point, but also how pleasant the application is for the consumer. Emulsifiers play an important role here. Fabio Costiniti talks about new developments and their possibilities in the field of colour cosmetics.
Many companies claim to be working on the environmental friendliness of their products. But how can the industry as a whole become more sustainable? Olivia Hagan looks at different aspects and shows what the current state of affairs is.