Everything you need to know about this year’s in-cosmetics Asia

in-cosmetics Asia – APAC’s premier personal care ingredients event – returns in just six weeks’ time with the biggest exhibition in its 11-year history and an unrivalled education programme that will feature more international industry experts than ever before.​

With hundreds of newly launched ingredients on display, there is no better place for manufacturers to find inspiration for the next wave of cosmetic and personal care products than in-cosmetics Asia. And with its revered education programme also giving an exclusive look to the future and updating chemists on the current and impending regulatory challenges, it’s an event not to be missed.

What’s new at in-cosmetics Asia 2018​

This year cosmetic chemists will be able to attend a new series of R&D Tours. Exclusive to in-cosmetics Asia, the 1.5hr tours will deliver a unique experience, enabling R&D professionals to easily discover the latest in breakthrough ingredients and technologies.

Running across three days, leading cosmetic chemist Rouah Al-Wakeel has curated a programme that covers three of the most topical industry areas – Biotechnology, Microbiomics and Natural Ingredients – through a ‘silent tour’.

The three R&D Tours are:

• Biotechnology Actives​ (sponsored by Mibelle Biochemistry) focusing on next-generation ingredients developed using molecularly-identical, natural ingredients.
• Leadership in Microbiomics​ (sponsored by Givaudan) will highlight how skincare and cosmetics formulators can use skin-friendly bacteria to create ingredients promising healthier skin.
• Natural Ingredients​ will help manufacturers find new paraben- and synthetic-free ingredients.

Putting the spotlight on…​

in-cosmetics Asia’s popular Spotlight On programme will provide chemists and marketers with a unique way to source ingredients and learn about the latest trends in three pertinent areas – hydration, sensory enhancers and haircare actives.

In addition to showcasing a raft of innovative ingredients that combat dry and sensitive skin, Sharon Kwek, Mintel’s Senior Innovation & Insights Analyst, Beauty & Personal Care in the Southeast Asia Region, will highlight the diversity of hydration-related claims that are being made, as well as identifying the trends and opportunities across Asia. 

According to beauty consultant Kim-Davy Hoeu, consumers see a clear correlation between a product’s sensory features and its functionality, and texture is one of the most crucial elements when it comes to perceiving quality. As such, Mintel will also present some of the world’s newest and most unique products that not only meet the beauty needs of consumers, but also enhance their moods through all senses.

With consumers looking for haircare products that slow greying, increase strength or protect from pollution, in-cosmetics will also highlight the most innovative active ingredients, with leading experts presenting the latest trends in the sector.

A platform to find the region’s best​

Another popular part of the show returning this year are the in-cosmetics Asia Pavilions that will provide visitors with an easy way to locate ingredients from specific countries in the region. This October, R&D professionals will find suppliers from France, India, Japan and South Korea via dedicated areas on the show floor. Among those present from:

• France​: Agrimer – a major player in the seaweeds industry; Argeville, specialist in high quality fragrances; CODIF will present innovative active ingredients from the sea, plants and biotechnology; and specialist in lipid chemistry and plant extraction, Gattefossé.
• India​: BMV Fragrances – one of the world’s largest producers of essential oils; Galaxy Surfactants, manufacturer of performance surfactants and innovative, specialty care products; Koel Colours, a supplier of superior quality of colours; and Suru Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, which manufactures high quality raw materials, such as petroleum jelly and waxes.
• Japan​: ADEKA Corporation, which provides various cosmetic raw materials; Ichimaru Pharcos, which develops cosmetic active ingredients obtained from natural resources; and Japan Natural Products, maker of advanced wax technologies for cosmetics formulations.
• South Korea​: ActivON – manufacturer and trader of high-quality raw materials; Bo-Kwang Chemical, supplier of innovative raw materials for make-up, skincare and suncare products; CQV – a pearlescent effect pigments manufacturer; and Incospharm, which focuses on developing special active ingredients for troubled skin.

Furthering knowledge through learning​

According to Ecovia, demand for natural and organic cosmetics has taken off in Asia as consumers have become more aware of synthetic chemicals in cosmetics and toiletries, and investment is now pouring into the Asian market as multinationals look to expand their presence.

As a result, in-cosmetics Asia 2018 will examine the latest natural trends in detail with four sessions dedicated to the topic. Focusing on how different regions of Asia are adopting these products and how formulators can embrace the movement, Kunal Mahajan, Project Manager at research consultancy Kline, will discuss how the trends are influencing ingredients usage and how ingredient manufacturers are responding to this heightened demand.

On 1 November, regulations expert Dr. Alain Khaiat will be joined by Dr. V Varma – who works for the Indian Government – to discuss the new ISO 16128 standard and how businesses can ensure compliance with the Nagoya Protocol. And with Belinda Carli (Director of the Institute of Personal Care Science) and Stacey Fraser (natural cosmetic and personal care product designer at Nature’s Blueprint) discussing preservation challenges and development strategy respectively, in-cosmetics Asia becomes the perfect place to learn about the future of natural products in the APAC region.

In addition to natural trends, for the first time, director at Kantar Worldpanel Ashley Kang will deliver an insightful presentation about how brands can identify new shoppers in Asia. Those interested in leveraging the latest digital marketing techniques will find a wealth of information in a session about the five main challenges in social media, delivered by Web Courses Bangkok founder Carl Heaton. Meanwhile a two-hour session on regulations will provide everything you need to know about the latest regulation changes in China, Southeast Asia and Europe.

The free-to-attend Technical Seminars will allow cosmetic chemists to familiarise themselves with key personal care ingredients and to listen to suppliers sharing insights on innovative concepts. A series of 30-minute presentations will provide inspiration for new product formulations, help R&D teams overcome specific challenges and enable attendees to question suppliers on their latest advancements. This year’s line-up includes presentations from Ashland, Brenntag, Clariant, DSM, Evonik Dr. Straetmans, Givaudan Active Beauty, Grant Industries, Ichimaru Pharcos, Mibelle Biochemistry, RAHN and Tri-K.

The hugely popular Formulation Lab is expected to be oversubscribed once again, so R&D professionals are urged to sign-up as soon as Lab registration opens in early September. The programme, curated by the Institute of Personal Care Science, is free to attend and designed so chemists learn the secrets to creating winning formulations. Attendees can join Cosphatec’s workshop to learn how to formulate a soft, high-caring and stable anti-ageing skin elixir with an urban touch, while representatives from the Cosmos Technical Centre. (part of Nikkol Group), will deliver a session on how to create an emulsion paste that has a melting, ice-cream feel when applied on the skin. Other sessions will be run by Ashland Speciality Ingredients, Evonik Specialty Chemicals, Clariant, Grant Industries, Lubrizol and Sensient Cosmetic Technologies.

The premier place for innovation​

Today, product innovation is pivotal to a beauty brand’s success and in-cosmetics Asia is primed to inspire a new generation of products. With more than 450 ingredient suppliers heralding from more than 24 countries, every corner of the event will showcase something new. The full exhibitor list is available from https://asia.in-cosmetics.com/en/exhibitor-directory/​.

And to make it easy for attendees to locate the newest, most exciting launches, the Innovation Zone will present around 70 novel ingredients launched within eight months of the show opening. One of the most popular areas of the show, cosmetic professionals are also invited to touch, smell and feel the products during a series of live demonstrations hosted by Mintel throughout the show.

Finally, cosmetic manufacturers are also invited to attend the highly anticipated in-cosmetics Asia awards ceremony on Wednesday, 31 October that will recognise suppliers developing the most innovative functional and active ingredients.

Sarah Gibson, Exhibition Director of in-cosmetics Asia, commented:

“The Asia cosmetics industry is renowned across the world for its innovative approach to new product development and its adoption of exotic ingredients. Consumers in the region are trend setters globally, with the western hemisphere regularly looking east to find unique, new beauty regimes that will make a difference to their everyday lives.

“It’s for this reason that many cosmetic manufacturers turn to in-cosmetics Asia for information about the latest trends and how they can grow their influence in the region. This year’s programme will deliver a wealth of current information to help R&D teams and marketers develop truly outstanding innovations that meet the requirements and preferences of today’s consumers.”

in-cosmetics Asia takes place at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre from 30 October to 1 November 2018. Entry to this year’s event is free of charge if you register before 28 October via http://asia.in-cosmetics.com/register​.