January’s top news stories

L’Oréal introduced wearable microfluidic sensor prototype for skin

L’Oréal unveiled a prototype of its new wearable microfluidic sensor, which measures the pH levels of the skin.

Called My Skin Track pH by La Roche-Posay, the sensor is designed to create customised product regimens to improve skincare routines.

It was developed by L’Oréal in partnership with Epicore Biosystems and is expected to be available at select La Roche-Posay dermatologists in the US this year.

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L’Occitane bought skincare brand Elemis for $900m

L’Occitane International purchased UK-based beauty and skincare firm Elemis for $900m.

Established in 1990, Elemis offers beauty products that are produced using natural ingredients. The company markets its products directly to consumers online, as well as wholesale to a number of distribution channels such as QVC and spas.

L’Occitane noted that the acquisition of Elemis complements its strategy to build a leading portfolio of premium cosmetics brands.

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Bevel launched a skincare collection for men

Walker & Company grooming brand Bevel introduced the Bevel Skin line to help address hyperpigmentation, inflammation, dullness and uneven skin tone.

Claimed to be free from parabens, phthalates, sulphates, dyes, silicones and artificial fragrances, the collection comprises a face wash, toner, spot corrector and face gel.

Walker & Company Brands CEO and founder Tristan Walker said: “At Bevel, we understand the impacts of sensitive skin for men of colour, so a skincare line was the next natural step for the brand.

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Beauty Systems Group launched new haircare lines

Sally Beauty’s Beauty Systems Group introduced a new range of haircare lines from Guy Tang and Pravana across its stores.

The new haircare line from professional stylist Guy Tang is an expansion of existing hair colour brand #mydentity.

The expanded line includes new haircare products that extend vibrant colour tones. The products are available across the Beauty Systems Group platforms in the US and Canada.

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Bio-on and Unilever launched new line of sun protection creams

Italy-based intellectual property company (IPC) Bio-on and Unilever introduced a new range of sun protection creams made from biodegradable bioplastic.

As part of the collaboration, Unilever will sell the new creams under the My Kai brand, which is scheduled to be available in stores by this March.

Unilever Italia chairman and CEO Fulvio Guarneri said: “This new product line is a concrete example of how Unilever sees sustainability and proposes innovative solutions for consumers, pursuing the goals stated in its Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) business model.

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Hair colour brand Madison Reed raised $51m in funding

Madison Reed raised $51m in a series D financing round to support the acceleration and expansion of its omnichannel strategy.

The round was led by Madison Reed’s existing investors Norwest Venture Partners and True Ventures. Comcast Ventures and Meaningful Partners also took part.

Madison Reed’s omnichannel strategy features online, retail and wholesale components.

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Avon to sell beauty China manufacturing operation to TheFaceShop

Avon Products signed a definitive agreement to sell its beauty manufacturing operation in Guangzhou to TheFaceShop.

TheFaceshop is a subsidiary of South Korean consumer goods and beauty company LG Household & Health Care (LG H&H).

Subject to customary local regulatory approvals, the deal is scheduled to close next month and Avon will receive net proceeds of $44m.

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Unilever disclosed fragrance ingredients across its US beauty brands

Unilever disclosed a detailed list of fragrance ingredients used in more than 1,100 of its beauty and personal care products across 15 brands available in the US, including Dove, Axe, Comfort and OMO.

The disclosure aims to promote Unilever’s transparency initiative in the home care category, which is expected to comply with US regulations for the labelling of beauty and personal care products.

Current US regulations mandate that companies should list the names of fragrances on product packaging.