FEATURE ARTICLES

In a previous edition of Personal Care we discussed the media coverage about concerns over the use of methylisothiazolinone (MIT) as a personal care preservative, specifically in leave-on applications.

With Amway’s recent announcement that it will invest $350 million in new expansion plans across Asia Pacific, multinationals’ interest in the region’s flourishing personal care market shows no sign of abating.

Colour cosmetics are a ubiquitous element of personal care products, owing to the diversity of applications in which colour can be used. End-use applications include liquid and powder foundations, BB creams, concealer, blush, eye liner, eye shadow, lipstick, mascara, skin care and sunscreens.

When it comes to active ingredients, there are only two ways to go: either the molecule is from synthesis; or it has a natural source. More than a trend in today’s cosmetic industry, natural actives have become a necessity.

The identification of new sources to develop innovative and effective ingredients is a continuous market demand. Customers also highlight their desire to preserve nature, so it must be taken into consideration as a guide in the cosmetic industry.

The natural and organic cosmetic market has been steadily growing in the past few years and according to market research this trend will continue for many years to come.

Fragrance is a vital aspect to personal care products. The scent can transmit a sense of geography, luxuriousness, gender, mood as well as provide a signature fragrance that can act to enhance a brand.

Natural fragrance offers us all a unique experience whether it gives warmth and comfort, cleanliness or relaxation; it evokes a powerful response. A particular scent can bring forth a rush of vivid memories.

The median ages of the populations in the European Union, Japan, Canada, Singapore, Russia, South Korea, Australia, the United States of America and China are all significantly greater than the world average.1

Blepharoplasty (plastic surgery on the eyelids) is the third most practiced form of plastic surgery, after liposuction and breast augmentation, in the world. Each year, around 250,000 people undergo this type of intervention.

The continuing discussion of cosmetic preservatives has limited the number of accepted actives that can be practically used. As a result, a number of different methods and materials are being used to boost the activity of the remaining acceptable substances for microbial stabilisation.

Cosmetics and personal care formulations typically comprise a wide range of ingredients required to fulfill various functional roles. Combining these, often very different, ingredients into a stable formulation without sacrificing their respective functionalities is an ongoing challenge for the cosmetic industry.

Lipex SheaLight [INCI: Shea Butter Ethyl Esters] and Lipex Shea WM [INCI: Shea Butter Oleyl Esters] are two high performance, safe and renewable emollient esters designed for functional and sustainable personal care formulations.

Conditioning and moisturising are still leading benefits for hair care products in the Asia Pacific region including Australia and New Zealand, and across the globe. As a result the two terms are still key benefits, claims and trends for shampoos and conditioners.1

Personal care and cosmetic products are constantly evolving, driven by raw materials, ingredients, regulatory and legal pressures as well as the constantly changing consumer preferences.

The enzyme acetylcholinesterase is found to be present in the synapses between nerve cells and muscle cells. When a motor neuron receives signals from the brain and spinal cord, it releases acetylcholine and causes muscle contractions.

The SFC, Société Française de Cosmétologie, will welcome cosmetic industry professionals to the 28th IFSCC Congress which will take place in the Palais des Congrès this year from 27-30 October.

Snow algae powder is a novel anti-ageing ingredient based on an extract of biotechnologically produced snow algae. In cell culture assays, the snow algae extract was found to induce a calorie restriction-mimetic effect by stimulating the expression of the Klotho gene and the activity of the AMPK protein.

The washing sector of the personal care market is often viewed as an area lacking in innovation and exciting new product launches. However, during frugal times consumers will often treat themselves to a luxurious bath soak to wash away the daily stresses we all encounter.

Personal care with its artisan beginnings is one of the oldest FMCG industries in existence. The craft began more than 2,000 years ago with skilled artisans producing candles, soaps, and fragrances, very highly valued products by those who could afford them at the time.