November’s top news stories

OECD accepted L’Oréal’s alternatives to animal testing

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) incorporated two of L’Oréal’s scientific techniques in the OECD Test Guidelines.

Developed to replace animal testing, the U-SENS method and the Human Corneal Epithelium Eye Irritation Test (HCE EIT) were developed by the firm at its research laboratories.

They are intended to ensure the safety of ingredients present in a finished cosmetic product, enabling the development of a broad range of alternative assessment techniques.

Estée Lauder offered Google-powered beauty experience

Estée Lauder partnered with Google to offer personalised beauty solutions and techniques through the voice-activated Google Assistant on Google Home.

The firms will initially launch the Estée Lauder Nighttime Expert app to suggest skincare routines following a set of questions.

Accessible on Google Home from December 2017, the app provides users with an option to learn skincare application techniques.

Unilever to acquire US personal care firm Sundial Brands

Consumer goods company Unilever signed an agreement to purchase US-based personal care products firm Sundial Brands.

Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

Founded in 1991, Sundial focuses on haircare and skincare products formulated with high-quality ingredients. Its portfolio includes SheaMoisture, Nubian Heritage, Madam C.J. Walker, and nyakio brands.

J&J launched digital beauty initiative for skincare problems

Johnson & Johnson Innovation and Johnson & Johnson Consumer launched a new initiative for the creation of digital beauty solutions to address skincare concerns.

Intended to encourage start-up firms, the Digital Beauty QuickFire Challenge will primarily focus on the development of tools such as at-home skin assessments that will generate insights to enable better-informed decisions for customers.

Furthermore, the initiative will involve the creation of impact tracking devices and adherence solutions to improve management of skin health through monitoring skin-impacting factors, including pollution, ultra-violet (UV), and skin biomarkers.

Clariant unveiled new personal care products

Clariant unveiled Essence, a new collection of personal care products made with natural ingredients.

The collection includes skincare treatments, shampoos, hydrating hair masks, makeup serums, face creams, hand foams, shaving foams, and diaper creams.

The products are claimed to be formulated without parabens, a formaldehyde donor, methylisothiazolinones (MIT), methylchloroisothiazolinones (CMIT), sulphates, betaines, silicones, petrolatum, or mineral oils.

Shiseido announced partial business restructuring

Japanese personal care company Shiseido announced a partial organisational restructuring in a bid to enhance growth.

Effective from 1 January, the restructuring will initially feature the firm’s brand and skincare development departments, as well as the marketing and communication areas of its Shiseido brand.

These changes are set to deliver an operational structure that will build brand marketing strategies based on consumer insights.

BASF unveiled advanced cosmetic solutions

BASF unveiled new formulations and products for the personal care industry, including cosmetics, skincare, and bodycare sectors.

Designed for the vegan cosmetics market, Rheocare XGN polymer with pure vegan Xanthan Gum is a thickening agent and stabiliser that is based on renewable feedstock.

This product is suitable for emulsions and surfactant-based systems.

New York Governor called for investigation on cosmetics firm Verla

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo launched a multi-agency investigation on cosmetic company Verla International following a chemical explosion and fire at the firm’s warehouse.

Based in New Windsor, Verla manufactures more than 40 collections of nail polish, colour cosmetics, personal care, creams, lotions, fragrances, and perfumes.

The investigation is set to assess the worker safety conditions and overall compliance of the warehouse with state environmental regulations.

India’s Delhi High Court addressed PIL on steroids in skin creams

India’s Delhi High Court addressed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL) on the presence of steroids in various skin creams.

The court has issued a notice to the country’s government asking the Health and Family Welfare Ministry and the Central Drug Standards and Control Organisation (CDSCO) to submit their response on the PIL before 23 January next year.

The plea urged a ban on the manufacture and sale of steroid-containing creams marketed for conditions such as pigmentation, itching, fairness, and inflammation, reported DD News.

Skincare start-up Hilton Lifestyle released facial spray

US-based skincare start-up Hilton Lifestyle introduced Unicorn Mist, a new rosewater facial spray.

Promoted with a unicorn-themed campaign by the firm’s co-founder Paris Hilton, the skincare offering is currently available in limited-edition packaging.

The spray is the first product in Hilton Lifestyle’s natural skincare collection, which is scheduled for launch early next year.