Purdue University graduates commercialised eco-friendly microbead technology for cosmetics

SoyFoliate commercialised soy microbead technology, an eco-friendly alternative to plastic microbeads for use in cosmetic products and soaps.

The move followed a ban of plastic microbeads in the US in 2015. It intends to address the need for alternatives in the personal care market.

SoyFoliate is a start-up by Purdue University graduates. Its technology utilises the biodegradable and hydrophilic properties of soy that can absorb water over time.

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Revlon to expand cosmetics plant in North Carolina, US

Revlon announced it will be investing in its cosmetics plant that is situated near Oxford in North Carolina, US.

The investment is aimed to increase the facility’s capacity to meet the production demands of its Elizabeth Arden products.

The $16.1m expansion is expected to result in the creation of 55 full-time jobs over a period of three years. It will also see the addition of fragrance filling and assembly lines, as well as installation of new equipment.

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Nerium International introduced two new skincare products

Nerium International introduced a new oil-to-foam cleansing face wash and a customised radiance booster, which are claimed to be compatible with other skincare products such as foundation and sunscreen.

The lightweight Double-Cleansing Botanical Face Wash comprises surfactants extracted from coconut and a Sea3C blend of sea whip extract, betula water, and raffinose. Its pH-balanced formula is intended to deliver a synergistic approach to clean both makeup and impurities, without clogging pores.

Designed to address uneven skin tone and spots, the new Illumaboost Brightening & Shield comes with a delivery system that can dispense potent doses of anti-ageing ingredients. These are claimed to brighten, hydrate, and protect the skin.

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Perfect Corp added new skin diagnostic tool to YouCam Makeup

Perfect Corporation added a new augmented reality (AR) skin diagnostic tool to its YouCam Makeup app to provide users with a personalised skin assessment experience.

The new tool analyses a user’s selfie and scores skin health based on wrinkles, spots, texture and dark circles. Users can track the results and check their skincare regimen’s efficacy over time in the Skin Diary.

The tool delivers a detailed skin health report that comprises skin age and associated skin scores compared to the same user demographic.

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Finland’s VTT developed process to extract active substances from husks of berry seeds

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland developed a new process to extract active substances from husks of berry seeds that are found to possess anti-microbial properties with application in cosmetic products.

The new seed sanding method is intended to enhance compounds that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, as well as aid the maintenance of natural microbial balance in the skin.

The research centre used a hydrothermal extraction technology to recover active substances from seed husk fractions, without the use of any toxic reagents or solvents.

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L’Oreal predicts rising demand for men’s makeup counters in coming five years

L’Oreal predicted that there will be greater demand for men’s makeup counters in department stores over the next five years.

During an interview with the Daily Telegraph, L’Oreal UK managing director Vismay Sharma noted: “Today you have a very small proportion of men who want to use make up products but that proportion is growing and it will continue to grow.”

Several companies are currently working towards fulfilling these increasing demands, exploring men’s grooming and makeup products. Tom Ford recently launched a new men’s grooming products range, eyebrow maintenance kit, and a concealer set.

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Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay $417m in talcum powder lawsuit

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) was ordered to pay $417m to Eva Echeverria in the first talc case to be brought in California.

Echeverria filed a lawsuit against the company claiming that she developed ovarian cancer after using its talcum powder.

According to CNN.com, Echeverria said that she would have stopped using the powder if there had been a warning label on the product.

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H2O+ Beauty launched new skin and bodycare collection

H2O+ Beauty launched the new Booster and Gel Sheet Mask skincare collection, alongside its Oasis and Sea Greens bodycare ranges.

Launched at Ulta, Ulta.com, and H2Oplus.com, the new products feature a pure water technology, and are formulated using advanced botanicals and extracts to hydrate, brighten, and replenish skin.

Designed for addition to any H2O+ serum or moisturiser, the collection comprises Oasis Hydrating Booster, Waterbright Illuminating Booster, and Infinity+ Wrinkle Reducing Booster.

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P&G launched new Herbal Essences haircare range in UK

Procter and Gamble (P&G) launched a new range of hair products under its Herbal Essences brand in the UK.

The new bio:renew collection comprises shampoos and conditioners designed to remove free radicals and rejuvenate dull, lifeless hair. The products also feature antioxidants, sea kelp, and aloe.

Formulated without colourants, parabens, and gluten, the range is claimed to hydrate and repair hair, while adding shine and volume.

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ModiFace introduced new web-based skin assessment platform

Beauty augmented reality technology provider ModiFace introduced a new web-based assessment platform for skincare brands.

Users submit selfies to the platform, which delivers a virtual skin consultation. Based on detailed analysis of the photographs, the program then makes personal skincare product recommendations.

To develop its new technology, ModiFace reflected on its experiences from previous skin analysis technologies such as the visual skin-care simulation, which was released in 2007 in partnership with Allergan.