2018: The year’s biggest Cosmetics Technology stories

Ardian agreed to sell cosmetics company ADA International

Ardian signed an agreement with Moonlake Capital to sell European hotel cosmetics company ADA Cosmetics Holding.

Based in Kehl, Germany, ADA Cosmetics Holding produces personal care products such as shampoo, shower gel, soap, body lotion and accessories for the hotel industry.

ADA Cosmetics Holding was founded in 1979 and acquired by Ardian Expansion Fund III in 2014. The company has 700 employees and meets the requirements of a customer base of around 15,000 to 25,000 hotels, cruise ships and airlines.

---

California passed Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act

The California State Assembly passed the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act (SB-1249), which bans the production and marketing of cosmetics tested on animals.

SB-1249 was enacted into law once signed by the Governor of California Jerry Brown. It was passed with an 80-0 vote and a procedural concurrence vote in the Senate.

Written by Senator Cathleen Galgiani, the bill was co-sponsored by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Social Compassion in Legislation.

---

J&J to pay $4.69bn in damages to 22 in talc powder lawsuit

US-based personal care company Johnson & Johnson (J&J) was ordered to pay $4.69bn to a group of 22 women by a jury in St Louis, Missouri, as part of a talc powder lawsuit.

The fine was part of a talc-based products lawsuit, which saw claims that J&J’s baby powder and other cosmetic talcum powder products contain asbestos that caused the development of ovarian cancer.

Talc users in the US filed several lawsuits against J&J alleging failure to warn consumers about cancer risks.

---

Unilever acquired 75% stake in Italian personal care and wellbeing brand

Unilever entered an agreement to acquire a 75% stake in Italian personal care and wellbeing brand Equilibra.

Established in 1987, Equilibra offers a range of skincare and haircare products, as well as nutritional supplements in Italy.

The company’s brands are made using plant-based ingredients such as aloe, karite, argan and almond.

---

MEPs called for worldwide ban on cosmetics testing on animals

Members of the European Parliament (MEP) called for a worldwide ban on the testing of cosmetic products on animals by 2023.

The parliament also sought to ban the marketing and sale of cosmetic ingredients that have been tested on animals and urged EU leaders to use their diplomatic networks to form a coalition introducing an international convention within the UN framework.

The EU first enacted a ban on the sale of all animal-tested cosmetics in 2013. This ban is said to have had no effect on the growth of the cosmetics industry, which is claimed to have witnessed a smooth functioning over the past few years.

---

Philippines’ FDA banned sale of 12 Korean cosmetics due to antimony levels

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Philippines issued a public health alert regarding 12 Korean cosmetics due to high levels of antimony.

Antimony is a heavy metal known to cause symptoms such as skin irritation, headaches, nausea, vomiting, insomnia and abdominal pain. It is said that the metal can also cause damage to the lungs, heart muscle and liver.

The FDA advised anyone showing symptoms due to antimony toxicity to consult a doctor.

---

P&G acquired Walker & Company Brands

Procter & Gamble (P&G) purchased health and beauty solutions provider Walker & Company Brands.

Established in 2013, Walker & Company’s current portfolio of products include male grooming range Bevel and haircare collection FORM Beauty.

The acquisition is set to expand P&G’s multicultural business and support the expansion of Walker & Company’s existing brands.

---

GSK sold distribution rights for five OTC skincare brands

Crown Laboratories and Hildred Capital Partners purchased the North American distribution rights of five over-the-counter (OTC) skincare brands from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

The rights for daily acne wash PanOxyl, anti-itch lotion Sarna, anti-fungal product Zeasorb, pain-relieving gel Mineral Ice and anti-fungal powder Desenex were added to Crown Laboratories’ current portfolio of consumer products.

Crown Laboratories’ chairman and Hildred Capital Partners’ partner David Solomon said: “Facilitating the addition of these highly regarded brands reinforces Hildred’s commitment to work with Crown to build a diversified business with high-quality product offerings across all aspects of dermatology and skincare.”

---

Swedish Government banned use of microplastic in cosmetic products

The Swedish Government decided to ban the use of microplastic in certain cosmetic products, as part of measures to reduce plastic in the oceans.

Effective from 1 July, the ban applies to cosmetic products that are rinsed off and contain plastic particles for cleansing, exfoliating or polishing.

Products such as toothpaste, body exfoliators, face scrubs, shower gels, shampoos and conditioners that contain microplastics are included in the ban.

---

L’Oréal submitted offer to acquire thermal skin treatment company

L’Oréalsubmitted an acquisition offer to the shareholders of thermal skin treatment company Société des Thermes de La Roche-Posay.

La Roche-Posay’s international general manager Laetitia Toupet said: “This acquisition project will enable us to sustain and reinforce the dermatologic position of La Roche-Posay by developing the existing indications and making the thermal station a flagship for the brand.”

This move followed L’Oréal’s announcement to acquire vegan beauty brand Logocos Naturkosmetik.