Unilever is rolling out 21 AI-assisted graphic design studios under the name Sketch Pro, aiming to transform content production for its Home Care brands like Persil/Omo, Comfort, Cif, and Domestos. Developed in partnership with IPG Studios, the AI-powered studios are already active in London, São Paulo, Mumbai, and Jakarta, with new locations coming soon in Istanbul, Durban, and Shanghai.
Using tools such as Adobe Firefly and Google Veo3, the studios can deliver assets up to three times faster than previous production models. Their role is to adapt existing brand materials across channels, working alongside, not instead of, external creative agencies. The move reflects a growing trend of AI adoption in creative production, blending speed and scale with human design expertise.
A new peer-reviewed study from the University of Phayao and Chulalongkorn University introduces Peristophe bivalvis, a vibrant magenta plant used in traditional medicine, as a novel natural active for anti-aging skincare. Formulated into stable water-in-oil nano-emulsions, the leaf extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, glycation inhibition, and lipid peroxidation reduction. This marks the first time P. bivalvis has been explored for cosmetic nano-emulsions, opening the door to new botanical innovation in skin longevity.
A group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced the Safer Beauty Bill Package, a series of four federal bills aimed at strengthening cosmetic safety and ingredient transparency. The legislation seeks to eliminate hazardous chemicals from personal care products, especially those disproportionally affecting women of color and salon workers.
Key elements include:
This renewed push for safer beauty comes amid growing consumer demand for clean, transparent formulations.
Estée Lauder has opened a new pop-up at South Korea's Incheon Airport, centered on longevity. It offers travelers premium skincare treatments with its Re-Nutriv range, including personalized digital portraits based on visitors' iris patterns. In a further push, the brand is partnering with Korean Air to offer Re-Nutriv treatments to first-class passengers. It's the latest in Estée Lauder's efforts to position itself at the intersection of luxury travel, personalization, and longevity science.
Syensqo has inaugurated its largest microbiology lab globally in France, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable innovation. The lab will focus on microbiology, (eco-)toxicology, and biotechnology to accelerate the development of biodegradable and eco-friendly personal care solutions. It’s part of the company’s Renewable Materials and Biotechnology Growth Platform. The facility will enhance biodegradation and (eco-)toxicology testing from early product development stages, aiming to reduce time-to-market and improve testing efficiency. Advanced capabilities, including machine learning, will support the creation of biodegradable-by-design materials across personal care, home care, agrochemicals, and adhesives.
Don't miss a beat! From trade shows to trend talks, the personal care industry is buzzing with events: