Formulation & Science

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid offers many skin health benefits when incorporated into topical formulations, from UV damage protection to collagen maintenance [Getty Images]

Special Edition: ACTIVE BEAUTY – VITAMINS, MINERALS AND PLANT POWER

The topical promise of vitamin C for skin health: Review

By Kacey Culliney

Topical cosmetic application of vitamin C is more effective than oral supplementation when targeting skin health, but challenges remain around stability and absorption, finds a review.

Kao Corporation says carbonated water improves the efficacy of its curl-loosening technology in shampoo, offering consumers better styling control post-wash [Getty Images]

IFSCC CONGRESS 2022 LONDON, UK

Curl power: Kao Corp uses carbonated water to improve active shampoo

By Kacey Culliney

Japanese personal care major Kao Corporation has blended carbonated water into a shampoo formula for curly hair to improve the penetration and effectiveness of its curl-loosening ingredient, offering better style control at the washing stage.

Academic research on incorporating live bacteria into topicals has widened, but industry moves in the space still face major hurdles [Getty Images]

IFSCC CONGRESS 2022 LONDON, UK

L'Oréal scientist: Live bacteria ‘the dream’ for skin microbiome NPD

By Kacey Culliney

Innovation in cosmetic ingredients targeting the skin microbiome is surging, but the ultimate dream is to be able to incorporate beneficial live bacteria into formulations, says a principal scientist at L’Oréal Research & Innovation.