Bangkok show delivers despite setbacks

More than 250 exhibitors were there (an increase of 13% on 2010) and more than 50 of these were first-time exhibitors, reflecting the fact this is an expanding industry. In fact, the show was the largest in terms of size in the event’s history, occupying 3,329 m2 of floor space. Despite the change of dates visitor levels were still very good, and the exhibition aisles enjoyed a healthy buzz, full of people from across Asia, and beyond, taking the opportunity to experience the latest innovations in personal care ingredient technology. In total, 3,865 people from 53 countries travelled to the show over the course of three days, including 2,825 visitors from Thailand and 1,040 from across the globe. The 2011 in-cosmetics Asia sadly was missing one of its key contributors in Professor Johann Wiechers, who passed away on 5 November 2011 in Kuala Lumpur. Johann was a considerable figure in the cosmetics industry, well respected not only for his knowledge but also his ability and willingness to communicate his expertise to new scientists entering the industry, notably through the in-cosmetics Formulation Workshops.

The Exhibition

One of the new launches at in-cosmetics Asia 2011 was Cosmetochem’s usNeo product. UsNeo addresses the growing trend for effective, plant-based actives. Derived from the alpine lichen, Usnea barbata, and with in vitro and in vivo claims data, it supports customers wishing to take a natural approach. Cosmetochem revealed the product has antibacterial performance against Gram positive bacteria, particularly against those known to cause body odour, while preserving normal skin flora. A sniff test was conducted with 2% UsNeo and was shown to reduce underarm odour by 32% compared to control, 29% to 0.3% triclosan, and 1% ethyl hexyl glycerine.