Formulation & Science

Seaweed saviour: Marinova highlights ‘unmet needs’ in the market for skin microbiome-friendly atopic dermatitis treatment

14-Apr-2021 By Amanda Lim

There is a gap in the market for skin microbiome solutions to help treat atopic dermatitis, claims biotechnology company Marinova, for which it believes its brown seaweed extract could play a major role.

Burning issue: How the COVID-19 pandemic is putting pressure on sunscreen testing processes

12-Apr-2021 By Amanda Lim

COVID-related delays and demand for planet-safe products are among the challenges that sunscreen makers will have to tackle in terms of testing in 2021.

Special Edition: Cannabis beauty - Innovation and science in CBD and cannabinoids

Beyond CBD? Any of the 100+ minor cannabinoids could be a ‘rock star’ beauty active, says Treehouse Biotech

09-Apr-2021 By Kacey Culliney

Cannabidiol (CBD) may have stolen the limelight in cannabis beauty so far, but there are over one hundred minor cannabinoids worth studying with significant potential for future innovation, says cannabinoid specialist Treehouse Biotech.

Get the glow: Emma Lewisham observes gap in market for natural brightening products proven by clinical data

08-Apr-2021 By Amanda Lim

Circular beauty brand Emma Lewisham’s latest launch is seeking to fulfil what the firm believes is growing demand for natural brightening products backed by clinical evidence.

Too complex: Chinese team questions ‘quality and value’ of Asian herb research on skin whitening

08-Apr-2021 By Amanda Lim

A team of researchers from two Chinese institutes have questioned the validity of the existing research undertaken on Asian herbs for skin whitening applications, concluding that the ingredients were “too complex to obtain reliable results”.

Artificial skin: Shiseido plans to launch highly anticipated ‘second skin’ tech into market this year

06-Apr-2021 By Amanda Lim

Japanese beauty major Shiseido said it plans to launch ‘second skin’ this year, a so-called game-changing new technology which can diminish undereye bags instantly without the use of make-up.

Science driven: Latest FANCL anti-ageing innovation inspired by study confirming key role of IL-1RA protein in wrinkle formation

05-Apr-2021 By Amanda Lim

A study by Japanese cosmetics firm FANCL has confirmed that protein IL-1RA plays a key role in wrinkle formation and has developed a cosmetic formulation with vitamin C to target it.

Face it: Australia’s Qr8 MediSkin aiming to offer telehealth and 3D imagery skin care service in SEA

18-Mar-2021 By Guan Yu Lim

Australia-based prescriptive skin care brand Qr8 MediSkin is hoping to serve South East Asian region with its ‘one-of-a-kind’ treatment plan featuring telehealth and 3D imagery diagnosis.

Stress killer: Why Asian consumers are ready to tackle anxiety-induced skin ageing – Lucas Meyer Cosmetics

16-Mar-2021 By Amanda Lim

The hectic pace of life, rapid urbanisation and a desire to solve their own problems mean Asian consumers are likely to be at the forefront of the demand for ‘anxi-ageing’ products, claims Lucas Meyer Cosmetics.

Plant power: Alcohol-free disinfectant uses lemon bush and chamomile to help kill COVID-19 virus

15-Mar-2021 By Amanda Lim

An Australian firm has developed an alcohol-free disinfectant that uses native plant extracts, which it claims can help kill the COVID-19 virus within 90 seconds without damaging even the most sensitive skin.

Special Edition: Advances in sun protection - skin science and ingredients innovation

A history of sunscreen: Egyptian blends, ultraviolet filters and 'rising' research on visible light protection

12-Mar-2021 By Kacey Culliney

The sunscreen category has slowly advanced over several decades, but the last ten years of research has highlighted a true need for formulas that provide photoprotection beyond ultraviolet rays, notably visible light, according to a review.

Coty to use carbon-captured ethanol in majority of fragrances by 2023

05-Mar-2021 By Kacey Culliney

International beauty major Coty has signed a letter of intent to partner with carbon recycling major LanzaTech to integrate sustainable, carbon-captured ethanol into its fragrance formulas.

Just swipe: Chinese team develops easy-to-remove hemp-based foundation to minimise skin damage

02-Mar-2021 By Amanda Lim

A team of Chinese researchers from Sichuan University have developed a liquid foundation made from hemp cellulose nanocrystals to tackle skin barrier damage caused by excessive cleaning.

Layer of defence: Kao confirms fine fibre tech’s protective abilities against pollution and mask irritation

01-Mar-2021 By Amanda Lim

Kao has conducted new research into its fine fibre technology and confirmed its ability to protect the skin against pollution and mask irritation.

Right intentions: Why alcohol use in halal beauty and personal care products is permitted

25-Feb-2021 By Amanda Lim

A lack of understanding of fatwa has led to confusion about the permissibility of alcohol use in halal personal care products such as fragrances, according to industry experts.