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

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

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

Designed to allow production at various levels of high-temperature reactions, the plant's enhanced capacity complements manufacture of several personal care products.

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Research found common chemicals in cosmetics increase cancer risk

A study by researchers at the University of Cambridge found that a common class of chemicals present in cosmetics and shampoos called aldehydes have the potential to increase the risk of cancer.

Reportedly, the chemicals are also found in everyday items such as car exhausts, smoke, alcohol, building materials, and furniture. They are capable of breaking down DNA repair mechanisms, which are responsible for preventing faults in human genes.

The research team was led by the university’s Medical Research Council Cancer unit director professor Ashok Venkitaraman. He identified the mechanism through which aldehyde exposure could promote cancer by using genetically-engineered human cells and cells from breast cancer patients carrying a faulty copy of the gene BRCA2.

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Body Shop called UN to globally ban cosmetic testing on animals

L'Oréal’s cosmetics and skincare company The Body Shop partnered with non-profit organisation Cruelty Free International to call for a global ban on cosmetic products and ingredients testing on animals by 2020.

The firms started the new campaign to urge the United Nations (UN) to introduce international regulation, as around 80% of countries do not currently have policies against animal testing for cosmetics. Around 500,000 animals are said to be used to test cosmetics every year, despite the availability of validated alternatives such as artificially grown human skin.

The Body Shop's international campaigns and corporate responsibility senior manager Jessie Macneil-Brown said: "We are calling on at least eight million people from every corner of the globe who care about animal welfare to join our cause and sign our petition."

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Japan’s Shiseido unveiled new Waso skincare range

Japanese multinational personal care company Shiseido unveiled skincare range Waso, which includes a cream, three moisturisers, a polisher, a cleanser, and a lotion.

The Waso range was launched under the firm’s Shiseido brand. It has been available from July in certain Asian countries and online in the US. The new range is targeted at millennials.

Shiseido’s new collection comprises whole botanical cells formulated using the firm’s new whole cell release system. It is designed to address skincare concerns such as dryness, oiliness, and visible pores.

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Lumson acquired cosmetics packaging firm Leoplast

Lumson entered an agreement to gradually integrate cosmetics packaging provider Leoplast into Lumson Group.

Founded in 1975, Lumson is a European company that develops, produces, and distributes primary packaging for the cosmetic, make-up, and pharmaceutical markets. The deal extends Lumson’s collection of makeup offerings with the addition of a portfolio of standard and custom lipsticks in various materials, finishes, and customised using different decoration technologies.

The acquisition is expected to provide investments for Leoplast to increase its production capacity and presence in international markets as a primary packaging manufacturer for lipsticks. Products offered by Leoplast include lipstick containers in four different shapes, make-up containers, caps, jars, plastic sleeves, aluminium sleeves, and roll-ons.

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Perfect Corp partnered with Kristofer Buckle for new makeup collection on YouCam

Perfect Corp partnered with makeup artist Kristofer Buckle to expand the offerings on its augmented reality (AR) beauty app YouCam Makeup.

The new Fantasy Series collection includes six looks that are inspired from three fantasy styles.

Perfect Corp's chief executive officer (CEO) Alice Chang said: “We believe that the release of this imaginative collection will inspire YouCam fans around the world to try bold new styles firsthand, and feel more empowered through our unique AR beauty experience.”

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3INA introduced new fluorescent makeup collection

Beauty brand 3INA introduced UV Collection featuring fluorescent makeup products.

The collection includes an eye pencil, a cream eyeshadow, a lip gloss, nail polish, and a top coat under the Fluoro brand. These products contain colour-changing elements that are activated by ultraviolet (UV) light, intended to represent creativity and self-expression.

Containing ingredients that allow long-wear, moisturisation, and a bright finish, 3INA’s new Fluoro Cream Eyeshadow includes a resin that has a filming effect to provide water-resistance. The Fluoro Lip Glosses contain jellifying agents designed to provide a smooth and creamy feel.

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Coty and Chalhoub renewed JV partnership in Middle East

US-based beauty firm Coty and UAE-based Chalhoub Group renewed their partnership through joint venture (JV) Coty Middle East FZCO.

Under the renewed agreement, Coty will be able to extend its market capabilities and offer better access for customers to its portfolio across its luxury, consumer beauty, and professional beauty units.

The firms have agreed that the brands from the P&G specialty beauty business, which was merged into Coty in October last year, will be integrated within the JV.

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JK Helene Curtis selected Cheil as digital partner for Park Avenue perfume and shampoo

JK Helene Curtis selected advertising and marketing communications firm Cheil India as the digital partner for its Park Avenue Premium Perfume and Beer Shampoo.

Cheil will be responsible for the product’s social media management on various platforms, media buying, and digital creatives.

Founded in 1964, JK Helene Curtis is a part of The Raymond Group and operates in the personal grooming and toiletries sector. Its portfolio includes different brands such as Park Avenue.

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Kiehl's Since 1851 launched five new grooming products for men

Men’s skincare brand Kiehl's Since 1851 launched a new range known as Grooming Solutions, comprising five products to groom and style men’s hair and beards.

Designed for all hairstyles, the new line includes Nourishing Shampoo + Conditioner, Texturising Clay for a matte finish, Clean Styling Gel, Nourishing Beard Grooming Oil for softening and Exfoliating Body Soap.

Formulated with natural ingredients, the products feature Pracaxi oil sourced from the Amazon rainforest in Northern Brazil and Moroccan Lava Clay procured from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.