FEATURE ARTICLES

Lenitive and antiphotoageing properties of C.asiatica Plant-derived elements used for pharmacological applications constitute an increasing research field. An interesting study from Italian researchers investigated a new purified extract from Madagascar gotu kola [Centella asiatica (L.) Urban] as a novel anti-inflammaging and antiglycation agent for use against skin wrinkling and for skin protection against UV exposure.

Research should form the basis of any sensible commercial decision. These days research is affordable, reliable, auditable and global. By finding the right research partner, preferably one who specialises in cosmetics and toiletries, a wisely-spent research budget should definitely increase profit margins.

Ageing is a multi-variable, continuous process, influenced by several factors including behaviour, social status, attitudes, environmental exposure and physiologyrelated factors such as genetics, hormonal changes and metabolic processes.

In recent months there has been a trend for people to post ‘selfie’ photos of themselves wearing no makeup on social networking sites.

Protecting hair is now a very important part of a healthy hair regime. More of us are living in cities and therefore the hair has to withstand everything that city life throws at it; such as pollution, stress, and long working hours.

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.