RECENT FEATURE ARTICLES

In our urbanised and industrialised environments, we are exposed to increasingly abundant environmental pollutants. Heavy metals, PAHs and aldehydes is just a short list of toxic compounds surrounding us, having detrimental effects on our skin and body, causing respiratory diseases, headaches, asthma and skin rashes, which are just a few health aspects to mention.

The expression of the eyes determines the impression of someone’s face. For the appearance, many skin characteristics play a role. Low skin density, weak hydrolipid film, lack of drainage function and strong muscular stress are the main factors.

With time, the fragility of the skin around the eyes and its permanent motion favour the formation of wrinkles. These lines change how our expression is read, in particular under-eye wrinkles and the tear trough or valley of tears which give the face an impression of tiredness and sadness.

The horn-like envelopes covering the tips of our fingers and toes are called nails. They are highly specialised epidermal appendages. Finger- and toenails are made out of a tough fibrous protein, the alphakeratine. The nail consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix and the nail bed below it, and the grooves surrounding it.1

Although Elie Metchnikoff, the discoverer of the phagocytosis, had formulated at the beginning of the 20th century the concept that some bacteria present in food, known today as probiotics, could have a positive effect on human health, bacteria present in humans were considered to be either causes of diseases or non-pathogens tolerated by the organism but devoid of any physiological activities of interest.

In a vast global cosmetics market forecast to reach US$ 675 billion by 2020,1 only the fittest can survive. That means outstanding consumer insight, creativity, constant NPD and a sharp focus on quality.

Consumer consciousness is ever present and the desire for a healthy lifestyle is reflected in the products they use.

When it comes to innovation, technology and effectiveness, Korean beauty is the undisputed world leader. The country is home to thousands of beauty brands, with the leading players launching between 2030 new products every month.

As time goes by, ageing is an inevitable thing for humans, especially skin ageing. Skin ageing is caused by the degradation of elastin and collagen. The degradation of collagen and elastin (skin ageing) can be caused by intrinsic and extrinsic processes and usually starts during the twenties or thirties, so it is recommended for young women to prevent it as early as possible.

Personal Care and Homecare Ingredients (PCHi) concluded its 11th edition on a high note in Shanghai. Held from 19 to 21 March 2018 at the Shanghai World EXPO Exhibition and Convention Center (SWEECC), PCHi 2018 attracted 21,856 trade professionals (15% increase over 18,972 visitors in 2017) eager to discover innovations presented by 544 exhibitors from 29 countries and regions.

In the past years, extremolytes became well-established active ingredients thanks to their special efficacy and characteristics.

The skin is the biggest organ of the body; it corresponds to 16% of its total weight. Composed by various layers, its primary role is to create an interface between the organism and the external environment. Skin helps to protect the body, creating a barrier more or less porous. Indeed, cutaneous tissue is daily exposed to multiple aggressions.

Rough skin, which occurs because of barrier disruption, is one of the most important cosmetic problems. The outermost surface of the body is covered by the stratum corneum, which is an effective barrier essential for preventing epidermal water loss and impeding the entry of external stimulus.

Often described as the skin’s barrier function, the epidermis is considered to be the first protection of our body against external factors.

Since before the time of ancient Rome, sweet almond oil has been an effective moisturiser and beauty treatment. These civilisations prized beauty at least as much as contemporary populations and the purity of their skin oils, salves and lotions quite literally set the standard for the unadulterated, natural ingredients we use today.

This article aims to give an overview of how cosmetics are regulated in the United States of America. It looks at the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, adulterated and misbranded cosmetics, colour additives, sunscreen products, and the role of the Food and Drug Administration

Skin redness is a true cosmetic concern. Redness is an indication that there is inflammation in the skin and blood is rushing in to try to heal it. Red has never been a synonym of calm and tranquility. Redness is skin's default reaction to any number of conditions but the three most common are rosacea, allergies and skin sensitivity.

This article will outline the development process of new preservative solutions by Sharon Laboratories: Sharon™ Amplify, and SharoSense™ Plus. The industry analysis that led the decision to develop two new concepts ‘less is more’ and ‘synthetic-naturals’ as well as review the product efficacy and compatibility for the personal care industry.

Sulfate-free or not sulfate-free? That is the question when customers are studying the INCI list of personal care products and find ingredients like surfactants based on sulfoacetates or sulfosuccinates. In fact, the discussion linked to that question is rather fruitless but one by one….

Most personal care products are emulsions which can be defined as stabilised fluid systems of liquids that do not normally like to mix, like oil and water. The peacekeeper in such systems is called an emulsifier. Emulsifiers combine a water-loving head holding to the water phase and a fat-loving tail that clings to the oil phase.