FEATURE ARTICLES

The main part of a hair primarily consists of natural polymers: 90% of a hair’s dry weight compromises proteins (α-keratin). Keratins are rich in cysteine, an amino acid that is characterised by its sulphur content, which contributes to hair’s characteristic insolubility and resistance to enzymatic degradation

Skin tissue repair is an extremely complex physiological process involving multiple elements: circulating cells, damaged tissue cells, matrix components and soluble factors.

Classical vegetable extracts are powders or hydro-alcoholic solutions and must be diluted or stabilised before they can be used in final cosmetic products. On the other hand, oil-based extracts are very easy to formulate in emulsions or even in anhydrous products.

‘Green’ trends play an extremely important role in Natura-Tec’s efforts to build ecoawareness and stimulate growth towards a more sustainable lifestyle while ‘Blue’ ingredients emerge as the dominant future innovation in many industrial fields.

It has been well-publicised that the task of preserving cosmetic products has become more difficult due to the range of permitted chemicals reducing in recent years. However, one thing that has not changed is the importance of ensuring products are safe for use.

One of the problems when tackling the concept of men’s grooming is the fact that ‘men’s grooming’ is considered a concept in its own right in the first place.

According to Euromonitor the global market for male grooming products is projected to exceed a value of US$60 billion by 2020, significant growth from its current level of $47 billion.

Male grooming, one of beauty’s most dynamic segments, has undergone an irreversible change over the past several years, reaching a US $4.5 billion mark in 2016, with an over 3% growth rate.

The ever-evolving personal care industry changes radically from one year to the next. With 2017 witnessing the rise of colour cosmetics, facial masks and ramped up hair care products, what can we expect to hit the market in 2018? Fortunately for cosmetic manufacturers, in-cosmetics Global will return in April, putting the spotlight on all the latest trends

Johnson & Johnson Innovation and Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. recently launched a Digital Beauty QuickFire Challenge for start-ups that are creating the most innovative digital beauty solutions to provide better skin care outcomes for consumers around the world.

At the cutting edge of technology solutions for the cosmetic R&D development, Coptis evolution is aimed at continuously improving the formulator’s laboratory work.

Wellness is a universal goal pursued by people across the globe. Eating well is part of an effective beauty from within routine that should be complemented by a healthy skin care diet.

People have become accustomed to protecting themselves from the UV waves that come from the sun. But is this enough? It is now known that blue light from the sun can also cause damage to the skin. Beyond this, blue light has now come indoors, as it is emitted from the screens of electronic devices such as TVs and mobile phones.

Up to the 19th century, skin whiteness was popular within the upper classes, hinting at a noble life of leisure spent indoors, as dark skin was mostly associated with labouring in fields all day.

Exposure to air pollutants is one of the major threats to skin health. Contaminants attack the skin on several levels: they induce oxidative stress, they stimulate inflammatory pathways, and they accelerate the ageing process of skin.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, incosmetics Asia welcomed a record 10,302 visitors from around the world – representing an increase of 17% compared to 2016 – to learn about the latest ingredients and hottest global trends.

Bringing to market an exciting and unique cosmetic formulation is the dream of many entrepreneurs and in many instances the assistance of an expert formulator and/or manufacturer (hereafter simply referred to as a ‘manufacturer’) will be required.

While it is readily acknowledged that attitudes to beauty and product textures differ according to region, it is important to also remember that fragrance preferences can also be specific to certain countries.

Over the past few years, consumer demands and, therefore market trends, have registered a shift towards preservativefree formulations, which are viewed as being healthier and natural but at the same time are able to grant a good stability, good organoleptic characteristics and, over all, a good resistance to microbial contamination.

Mildness in cleansing systems for face and hair is a critical characteristic for consumers. Consumers are interested in low or noirritation systems to maintain the health of their skin and hair.