FEATURE ARTICLES

Methylisothiazolinone concerns in the media

In recent months there has been a lot of media coverage about concerns over the use of methylisothiazolinone (MIT). Several dermatologists have been raising concerns about potential allergic reactions to MIT, and there are calls for a review of the safety of this widely used preservative.

Imparting mildness with living tea plant ingredient

As previously shown, Recentia CS obtained from living Camellia sinensis (tea) plants via patented Zeta Fraction technology has greater diversity of constituents and exhibits superior multifunctional antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities than traditional green tea and black tea; it also possesses photostabilisation properties.

Conditioning by cationic polymers on Asian hair

Cationic polymers and silicone oils are key ingredients in conditioning shampoo. The conditioning performance reflects the distribution of the cationic polymers and silicone oils deposited along the hair fibre through coacervation during the shampoo rinsing stage.

Education at forefront in Bangkok

Asia’s personal care ingredients market is one of the most dynamic in the world and according to Kline is poised to grow at over 7.7 per cent per annum in Southeast Asia.

The day the new Cosmetic Regulation came into force

We all sat wearing hard hats on the eve of 11 July in anticipation of Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/20091 coming into force. By 12 July it was a bit like sitting with a Mayan calendar on 22 December 2012.

SCS Formulate: science, creativity and innovation

The content of SCS Formulate recognises that for the foreseeable future science will continue to ‘sell’ products. Creative difference is a key factor. SCS Formulate is where science takes shape, innovations are introduced and products created.

Skin care: the powerhouse of beauty

Reaching sales of almost US$100 billion in 2012 and accounting for one fifth of beauty and personal care global value, skin care is the undeniable king of beauty.

Natural and organic beauty: the real thing?

Speaking last month at the Organic Natural Beauty Show, I highlighted the number of harmful chemicals found in beauty products labelled as ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ or ‘nature inspired’.

The cosmetic ‘brick’ of the bones

Minerals are essential for physical and mental wellbeing, in that they constitute the whole tissue structure and fluids of the human body. They play an important role in the production of hormones and antibodies, thus keeping the delicate hydric structure in balance.

Daylight defence: photoprotection and repair

One undesired outcome of sun exposure is photo-ageing. UVA activates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that increase the degradation of ECM components and generate reactive oxygen species, leading to damage of skin cells and cellular structures.

Jojoba leaf extract enhances skin performance from inside

IBR-Gapture is an aqueous extract of Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) leaf able to modify the skin in a way that skin structure, strength, firmness and cohesion are improved, enhancing thereby skin’s barrier function and restoring its moisture.

Thickening polymer delivers soft, velvety skin feel

Aristoflex Velvet is the latest innovation in Clariant’s Aristoflex polymer range. Not only can it be used as a thickener and stabiliser for a wide range of cosmetic formulations, but it also delivers a soft and velvety skin feel.

Chitin nanofibril-hyaluronan block polymer characterised

Skin, less than 2 mm thick and composed of several layers, acts as biological barrier preventing water loss and protecting the body’s internal organs from the extra environment organs, from the external environment, and foreign substances.

Beyond SPF: getting the tan back

A ‘healthy tan’ has been word association for humans and this relationship has recently been challenged by the now comprehensive knowledge of the unsafe effects associated with both short and long term sun exposure.

Interview: Steve Pearce – Omega Ingredients, UK

Steve Pearce is an acclaimed innovator and lecturer in food science. He is an author of many papers and a frequent presenter at international conferences while also acting as an adviser to a diverse range of commercial clients, specialising in creating unique ingredients, fragrances and flavours for food & drink manufacturers, cosmetics & household consumer products.

Assessing biological activity of makeup actives

From the introduction of ‘active’ powders, soothing lipsticks, moisturising foundation and now BB creams (Blemish Balm) and CC creams (Colour Correcting), ‘Fusion Concepts’ are the next big thing on the shelves.

Hair shine study compares daikon radish oil to silicones

For centuries, daikon radish has been revered for its nutritional and cultural significance. Indeed, the annual Daikon Radish Festival (called Daikon Daki in Kyoto) is a testament to this reverence.

Beauty and the BRIC countries

With their continuing economic growth and increasing consumer spending power, the BRIC countries – Brazil, Russia, India and China – are playing an increasingly significant role in the beauty and personal care industry.

Buckwheat delivers for antioxidant care products

Oxidation, whether it is from chemical or enzymatic origin, is incessant and can lead to numerous changes that can cause skin’s premature ageing.

Making Cosmetics: from concept to consumer

Making Cosmetics is an exhibition plus an extensive programme of seminars running in four parallel sessions that deals with the complex and demanding issues relating to sourcing, manufacturing and outsourcing and taking personal care products from concept to consumer.

Latest Issues

17th Sun Protection Conference 2025

Royal College of Physicians, London
24 - 25 June 2025

in-cosmetics Korea 2025

COEX, Seoul
2nd - 4th July 2025