Industry News Flash #7 - Personal Care - September 18, 2024

⚡️ Personal Care Industry News Flash 🗞️ 

Ingredient Launch:

Algaktiv has harnessed the power of microalgae and biotech to introduce their latest ingredient: ALGAKTIV® Densidyl. This revolutionary hair care ingredient has demonstrated its effectiveness in combating hair loss and graying through both in vitro and clinical studies. It's the first of its kind to address the emossome via cortisol and melatonin modulation, while also managing external stressors, establishing a new benchmark in hair care. Check it out on Covalo now!

Scientific Breakthrough:

Fragrances claiming to be "mood-boosting" are gaining traction, with companies like IFF leading the way in scent and wellness research. In collaboration with beauty brands like Charlotte Tilbury, IFF has conducted consumer surveys to analyze the emotional impact of fragrances. Their program includes both subjective feedback from participants and objective brain activity monitoring, feeding data into an AI tool designed to optimize fragrance formulations for specific emotional responses, such as happiness. However, while scent can improve mood, its mental health benefits depend on personal associations and emotional connections. Discover a variety of fragrances on Covalo here.

Regulations & Compliance:

Washington's Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA), which goes into effect on January 1, 2025, introduces strict regulations for cosmetics containing certain chemicals. These chemicals include formaldehyde, mercury, and lead. Cosmetic brands will need to reformulate products containing these substances, as even trace amounts could exceed the limits. This is especially true for products including natural ingredients like pigments, clays, and plant extracts. By January 2026, all non-compliant products must be off the shelves. This comprehensive legislation aims to protect consumers, but composes major challenges for brands — particularly smaller ones — due to the cost of reformulation and mandatory batch testing. Find the full list of banned chemicals here. 

Company Update:

Unilever appears to be considering potential downsizing of its skincare product range. Recent reports indicate that the company has engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers to assist in potentially selling Kate Somerville, a celebrity-favored skincare brand. Additionally, there are discussions about selling Ren Clean Skincare, which specializes in products for sensitive skin. Both brands were acquired in 2015 and are part of Unilever's Prestige division. This move follows the departure of Vasiliki Petrou, Chief Executive Officer of the Prestige beauty division.

Sustainability Update:

Following last year's successful International Day of Natural Cosmetics, NATRUE is now taking it a step further by launching the first ever Natural Cosmetics Week, running from 23 to 29 November 2024. During this week, natural beauty lovers across the world are invited to celebrate the power of natural and organic cosmetics. This year's theme is "Embrace Nature, Empower Your Skin", and is dedicated to natural ingredients that make your skin glow while committing to sustainability in every aspect of beauty. 

Want to get a head start on your natural beauty formulation journey? Head over to Covalo and use the Natural filter to find your hero ingredient.

Events & Tradeshows:

We've picked some events to watch from the comfort of your chair. Grab a notebook and your favorite drink, and you're all set! Just make sure to register on time: 

• Beyond Retinol: Unlocking the Next Generation of Anti-Aging with Growth Factors
  Retinol is facing increased scrutiny. Join us as we uncover the next generation of actives, introduced by the experts.
  9 October 2024, 9am PT / 6pm CEST. Register here
• #BeautyTok made me buy it
  TikTok experts show brands of all shapes and sizes in the beauty industry how to excel at social commerce.
  26 September 2024, 3pm BST / 4pm CEST. Register here
• Truth in Beauty E-Summit
  A full day conference to put a magnifying glass on misinformation in the cosmetics industry, its impacts and strategies to overcome it.
  29 September 2024, 8am - 4pm ET. Register here

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