Fermented milk postbiotic nudges skin microbes towards ‘friendly staph’: China study
Researchers from Jiangnan University and biotech firm Hangzhou Island Xingqing Biotechnology reported that their fermented milk (FM) ingredient inhibited Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, but promoted Staphylococcus epidermidis in both single-strain and mixed bacterial cultures.
The material is described as a postbiotic-style fermentation product — milk that has been de-lactosed, enzyme-hydrolysed, then fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum before being filtered and freeze-dried. It contains bacterial metabolites and peptides but no live lactobacilli.
The authors wrote in Cosmetics that the study strengthened the case that targeted metabolic modulation can give formulators more nuanced control over skin microbes than classic kill-all preservatives.
Dark tea extract shows dual action against melanin formation: Chinese study
A study in China conducted by Jiangnan University and Guangzhou Huashi Cosmetic Technology has reported that a water extract of dark tea can both slow melanin production and reduce signals that drive post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Tests showed that it contained familiar tea compounds such as caffeine, theobromine, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), along with other beneficial plant chemicals.
These are known to help reduce inflammation and protect cells — two important factors that influence how skin produces pigment.
For manufacturers, this extract is simple to make, water-based, and easy to control for quality and consistency.
Clariant’s Care Chemicals expands production capabilities in China as part of growth strategy
Clariant’s Care Chemicals has unveiled its expanded facilities in Daya Bay, China, which it says will play a crucial role in the company’s growth strategy in Asia.
The expansion, which involved an investment of CHF80m (USD99.8m), is set to substantially boost Clariant’s manufacturing capabilities in one of its key growth markets, particularly China’s rapidly evolving specialty chemicals sector.
Specifically, the newly opened facilities will improve the company’s production capabilities in two main areas — pharmaceutical excipients, and specialty chemicals for personal and home care applications.
Chinese study links facial lipid shifts to early skin ageing in women
A lipidomics study of 151 healthy Chinese women has found clear, age-linked shifts in facial stratum corneum lipids between ages of 19 and 33 years.
The research tied specific ceramides and neutral lipids to skin ageing in women, in the form of changes to skin barrier, elasticity, brightness, and oil levels.
The study — conducted by researchers at Shin Biotechnology, the Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Fudan University, and the Dermatology Hospital Medical Center of Air Force — focused on an age window where sebum peaks and first signs of ageing typically appear.
Squeeze and go: Single-dose application poised to become key beauty trend – L Cosmetix
Chinese company L Cosmetix says that the advantages of single-dose applications, including convenience, higher efficacy and less contamination, will lend itself to becoming a major beauty trend.
Single-dose packaging allows for simplified formulations with fewer preservatives and chelating agents, making products gentler and more suitable for sensitive skin, post-aesthetic procedures, or fragile skin types, thereby reducing the risk of irritation.
Other benefits include precise dosing, reduced waste, hygienic and portable, and personalisable.
