2017: The year’s biggest Cosmetics Technology stories

Spanish scientists unveiled prototype for 3D bioprinter to print human skin

Scientists from the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) in Spain, the Center for Energy, the Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT), and Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón joined with BioDan Group to develop a prototype for a 3D bioprinter to print human skin.

UC3M’s department of bioengineering and aerospace engineering professor José Luis Jorcano said: “This skin can be transplanted to patients or used in business settings to test chemical products, cosmetics or pharmaceutical products in quantities and with timetables and prices that are compatible with these uses.”

Created using bioprinting, this product replicates the natural structure of human skin, consisting of an epidermal layer with a stratum corneum that protects against the external environment. It also includes a layer of fibroblasts, which produce collagen protein for elasticity and mechanical strength.

Dove launched new skincare formula for men

Unilever brand Dove Men+Care unveiled a new product range for men, called Elements.

The range includes ingredient combinations such as minerals and sage, charcoal and clay, and mineral powder and sandalwood.

Unilever’s US Dove marketing vice-president Nick Soukas said: “With the Dove Men+Care Elements line, we’ve developed personal care products that are inspired by the power of nature’s elements.

“They include energising ingredient combinations that trigger men’s senses and formulations that provide superior care for their skin and hair consumers expect from Dove Men+Care.”

Amway introduced new G&H bath and body care collection

US-based beauty and nutrition firm Amway introduced nature-inspired, gentle bath and bodycare collection G&H.

The collection is available in three complementary ranges and features performance and patented ingredients to maintain and nourish healthy looking skin.

All G&H products are said to be environmentally friendly, with eco-sensitive, 100% recyclable packaging.

L’Oréal signed MoU with Suez to improve environmental performance

Beauty firm L’Oréal signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Suez to improve environmental performance and optimise resource management at all of its industrial, administrative and research centres.

Signed for an initial term of three years, the agreement involved the development of new solutions for sustainable production and address changes associated with climate, protection of oceans and water resources, and preservation of natural resources and biodiversity.

The firms also agreed to work towards promoting the circular economy and recovery of material at all L’Oréal sites to support reuse and recycling.

BASF opened new emollients and wax manufacturing plant in Shanghai, China

BASF opened a CNY150m ($22m) production plant in Shanghai for emollients and waxes to meet increasing demand in the Asia Pacific’s personal care market.

The plant was expected to support the company’s wax ester, emulsifier, and primary surfactant production in Jinshan.

It was designed to allow production at various levels of high-temperature reactions and its enhanced capacity complements manufacture of several personal care products.

Sephora opened new beauty studio in Boston, US

Beauty retailer Sephora opened its first small-format concept store Sephora Studio at Newbury Street in Boston, US.

The 2,000ft² studio features an optimised store design and an intimate format to ensure a customised and personal experience for customers.

Sephora Americas president and CEO Calvin McDonald said: “In today’s retail environment where very little is constant and clients’ expectations are ever-evolving, one thing has remained true for Sephora: there is no better way to create meaningful connections with clients than through personalised experiences and a customised approach to beauty.

“The Studio merges the best of an inclusive neighbourhood retail environment with best-in-class digital tools that enable our expert beauty advisors to customise recommendations on an individual basis.”

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 and intended 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.

Bath & Body Works introduced six new essential oil blends

Specialty retailer Bath & Body Works launched an expanded version of its Aromatherapy Collection comprising more than 120 products across six new blends of natural essential oils.

The collection is designed to address stress relief, sleep, happiness, comfort, focus and energy. It features a mixture of old and new products including a body cream, a pillow mist, essential oil therapy rollerball, a 24-hour moisture body butter and shower steamers.

Bath & Body Works brand development senior vice-president Soyoung Kang said: “Every product in our Aromatherapy Collection is centred on combining the perfect pairing of two essential oils, each with a unique purpose, to transform your mind and enhance your well-being.

“For this launch, we are giving customers an expanded offering of mood-boosting benefits, from stress relief to sleep, and comfort.”

Cosmetics firm Shiseido developed new emulsification technology

Japan-based Shiseido Company developed a new emulsification technology that enables versatility in mixing oil and water.

The technology enables mixing of two immiscible liquids by forming granular droplets in one and dispersing them in the other. An emulsifier is added to help stabilise the emulsion process. It comprises a hydrophobic / hydrophilic polymer-particle emulsifier, a core-corona particle, and an inner core framework with hydrophobic properties and an outer ‘corona’ possessing hydrophilic properties.

The new core-corona emulsification technology offers a choice to users to select oil and its composition ratio for emulsification without using surfactants, which offer various limitations to the development of products as they result in unfavourable textures at high concentration.

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.