Himalayan seed waste provides new natural solution for green cosmetic stabilisers
Residue from the seed of the Prinsepia utilis Royle plant can be repurposed as a natural stabiliser for green emulsions, say researchers in China.
Sustainability
Zinc oxide nanocrystals offer energy-efficient path to PFAS remediation: Japan study
Scientists in Japan have found a new way to clean up “forever chemicals” that is safer and more energy-efficient than older methods by using tiny particles called zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystals (NCs).
Cashew apple extract emerges as potent active for anti-ageing, wound care: Thai study
Researchers in Thailand have found that an extract from cashew apple, a typically discarded part of the plant, could be a powerful new ingredient for anti-ageing skin care and wound healing.
Squeeze and go: Single-dose application poised to become key beauty trend – L Cosmetix
Chinese company L Cosmetix says that the myriad advantages of single-dose applications, including convenience, higher efficacy and less contamination, will lend itself to becoming a major beauty trend.
dsm-firmenich, LPPOM and RSPO weigh in on sustainability challenges and innovations
dsm-firmenich, LPPOM and RSPO offer their perspectives on some of the key barriers and innovations surrounding the topic of green beauty, ahead of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit in Hong Kong.
Kine Australia’s flushable wipes aim to overcome ‘hidden cost’ of traditional products
Kine Australia’s flushable body wipes seek to provide a reliable and sustainable alternative to traditional plastic-based products, balancing everyday convenience with environmental care.
Terra Oleo raises $3.1m to develop sustainable, scalable palm oil alternatives
Singapore biotech start-up Terra Oleo is embarking on its next phase of developing sustainable and scalable lipid ingredients for applications across industries, including cosmetics, after raising $3.1m.
Industry players shed light on pressing topics ahead of Sustainable Cosmetics Summit
A global industry leader and an emerging firm from India offer a preview of the discussions that will be taking place at the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit in Hong Kong this November.
NatureLab Tokyo debuts hair mask containing milk thistle seed extract in Singapore
NatureLab Tokyo has launched a leave-in hair mask formulated with milk thistle seed extract, which it claims to be a sustainable and superior alternative to keratin, in Singapore.
Serious bees-ness: Honey Biotics to expand Manuka honey-based skin care range
Australian skin care brand Honey Biotics is actively expanding its range of skin and personal care products that contain UMF15+ Manuka honey as a key ingredient.
Sustainable strategy: Must-read stories on APAC’s green beauty developments
This round-up highlights the latest developments in beauty relating to the topic of sustainability, spanning ingredient and packaging innovations to misconceptions and research findings.
How fragrance brands can tap into niche products, resonant marketing, packaging innovation
In the second part of this fragrance feature, find out how indie brands are tapping into the demand for niche products, the importance of resonant marketing messaging, and the challenges and opportunities for packaging innovation.
Travel ready: Jelly Ko expands refill options on the back of strong sales and demand
Jelly Ko is actively expanding its refill product line-up due to strong sales performance and popularity of travel-friendly packaging.
Mane Kancor places focus on personal care, drives growth with anti-dandruff innovation
India-headquartered ingredients firm Mane Kancor looks to expand its footprint in the personal care sector, with its latest anti-dandruff ingredient poised to spur growth.
Seed & Sprout addresses green fatigue and misconceptions about bar format, harnesses TikTok’s reach
Australian brand Seed & Sprout is addressing green fatigue among consumers and debunking misconceptions about bar format products, while leveraging TikTok to spread sustainability and brand awareness.
Why refillable beauty products face barriers despite growing demand
For shoppers, there appears to be a significant education gap that’s just waiting to be (re)filled.
Mukti Organics releases dry body oil made from upcycled tomato seeds amid growing trend
Mukti Organics has released a dry body oil made using Native Extracts’ tomato seed oil, amid a growing trend of upcycled ingredients being utilised in skin care formulation in Australia.
Aesthetic sustainability: SUQQU switches to recyclable resin packaging for new compact
Kao-owned prestige beauty brand SUQQU has changed the packaging for its new powder compact to a recyclable resin, in order to meet sustainability demands without compromising on the aesthetic aspect.
C-beauty brand blends TCM with sustainable science through Green Coffee concept
Pretti5’s Green Coffee extract offers consumers an effective, eco-friendly alternative to topicals formulated with traditionally sourced caffeine.
KraveBeauty launches upgraded version of ‘cult-favourite’ sunscreen in SEA and UK
K-beauty brand KraveBeauty has released an improved version of its “cult-favourite” sunscreen in South East Asia (SEA) and the UK, which it claims to offer higher sun protection and more seamless application.
Sephora’s multi-pronged sustainability push targets packaging waste and industry progress
Through programs like Beauty (Re)Purposed and Planet Aware, the beauty retailer is expanding its sustainable footprint through multiple initiatives.
LG H&H accelerates R&D efforts to develop climate-adaptive beauty solutions
LG Household & Healthcare (LG H&H) is to focus on climate-adaptive beauty innovation to address an “urgent” need for cosmetics that tackle the effects of climate change.
Future Origins secures major offtake agreement for sustainable ingredient NALO
Backed by Unilever, L’Oréal, and Kao, Future Origins’ biotech alternative to palm-derived surfactants will be entering commercial scale.
LG H&H’s Dr.Groot targets ‘root of hair loss problems’ with improved formulas of bestselling range
South Korean brand Dr.Groot has launched an upgraded version of its bestselling hair care range, which is targeted at enhancing the scalp environment to promote hair growth.
2025 label refresh: Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap gets clearer guidelines and sustainability focus
“We hope the new icons and usage instructions will help new customers looking for safe, ethical, and effective products, discover the many ways to lather up with our soaps,” Christina Volgyesi, Dr. Bronner’s Chief Marketing Officer, told CosmeticsDesign.
Smart mover: Prada Beauty launches facial movement-adaptable cushion foundation
L’Oréal-owned Prada Beauty has launched a cushion foundation with an “ultra-soft texture” that adapts to the movements of the user’s facial expressions.
B Corp Beauty Coalition will establish dedicated APAC working group in 2025
The B Corp Beauty Coalition seeks to enhance collaboration, share expertise, and strengthen connections among its members across the Asia Pacific region.
Performance gaps and sustainability doubts challenge bio-based appeal
Bio-based products face growing scrutiny over performance gaps and sustainability concerns, challenging their eco-friendly value, says Dow.
A-peeling potential: Banana beauty biotech firm eyes Asia as key growth region
Kadalys, a French biotechnology firm specialising in banana-derived active ingredients for cosmetics, is hoping to tap into Asia's demand for high-efficacy natural ingredients.
‘A philosophical reset’: Facetheory targets APAC's eco-conscious consumers with accessibility, sustainability
British brand Facetheory is aiming to capture Asia Pacific consumers with effective products, accessible price points, and strong focus on sustainability to appeal to the growing segment of eco-conscious consumers in the region.
From byproduct to beauty: Advancements in sustainable ingredients and transparent sourcing
Explore the latest in ingredient upcycling and transparency advancements as the cosmetics industry redefines sustainability with digital traceability and innovative, waste-derived ingredients.
‘Pushing the boundaries of science’: Origins’s Youthtopia highlights powerful potential of upcycled beauty ingredients
Origins’ new Youthtopia series highlights the transformative potential of upcycled beauty ingredients and is spurring the brand to brand to explore future opportunities in upcycling.
Transparency and evidence-backed efficacy are key to combat negative consumer perception of upcycled products
IMCD says that transparency and efficacy claims backed by scientific data are key to shifting consumer perception about upcycled beauty products.
The Upcycled Beauty Company banks on high consumer awareness and adoption to seize growth opportunities in Asia
UK-based The Upcycled Beauty Company is banking on the greater consumer awareness and adoption of recycling in Asian countries, especially South Korea, to accelerate its growth in the region.
‘Early read is encouraging’: Unilever India reports positive feedback on palm-reduced soap formulations
Unilever's India subsidiary is receiving encouraging initial feedback on its new palm-reduced soap formulations under brands LUX and Lifebuoy.
‘Focus on what we’re good at’: A’kin shifts from skin care to refocus on hair care, natural deodorant
A'kin is moving away from skin care todouble down on its strengths in hair care and natural deodorant to meet consumer demand for effective botanical ingredients in these categories.
KraveBeauty looks to apply TikTok-viral ‘egg packaging’ to other products, expand line-up for Singapore market
US-based KraveBeauty is looking to extend the application of its waste-minimising “egg packaging” and to introduce refills for popular products, while expanding its offerings for the Singapore market.
Behind the bacterium innovation "for more sustainable sun protection"
Italian microbiome startup Bacfarm just won Shiseido’s annual startup competition with an innovation that can have uses in both topical and nutra sun care products. We spoke to the co-founder to learn more about how it could disrupt the category...
On-pack sustainability scoring akin to nutrition ratings could push uptake of upcycled beauty – analyst
Cosmetic companies should capitalise on growing interest in on-pack sustainability scoring, akin to nutrition ratings on food packaging, to empower consumers in making confident purchase decisions, says an analyst.
Daebong Life Science derives anti-ageing material from ‘ugly lotus roots’, realises first commercial application
South Korean cosmetics firm Daebong Life Science has developed a new anti-ageing raw material extracted from discarded lotus roots, which has been applied in a serum that is set to launch in the US.
Guess who's back? Phyto adopts 'less is more' strategy as it takes on more competitive hair care market
French hair care brand Phyto is streamlining its offerings to strengthen its position in the increasingly competitive hair care landscape in Asia.
NatureLab Tokyo launches in Singapore to meet demand for modern demands for scalp care
Japanese personal care major Mandom is rolling out NatureLab Tokyo in Singapore as it seeks the opportunity to meet the demands for clean, natural and ingredient-led scalp care solutions.
Valanolia targets Asia hair care market with upcycled antioxidant rich olive oil-infused formulas
Australian olive farm Valanolia has ventured into beauty with antioxidant rich olive oil hair care made from upcycled materials to meet booming demand for advanced hair care solutions in Asia.
Powder conditioner: The Powder Shampoo developing waterless conditioner on the back of consumer demand
Singapore brand The Powder Shampoo says a waterless conditioner is currently in development to meet growing consumer demand for more plastic-free, water-saving products.
Beauty Broadcast Video Series
Unlocking potential: Australian olive oil producers urged to upcycle pomace for cosmetics as health, wellness interests surge
Australian olive oil producers have huge opportunity to upcycle pomace as cosmetic ingredients to tap into health and wellness trends, according to industry experts.
Early bird: Gyudon giant Yoshinoya makes beauty entry to tap into cosmetic potential of ostrich oil
Japanese Fast-food company Yoshinoya Holdings is venturing into the beauty sector with the launch of Speedia, a skin care line featuring ostrich oil.
68% increase in male skin care usage: What’s driving the surge?
Key factors driving the noteworthy growth in the men's skin care segment of the beauty and personal care market include "a cultural shift towards inclusive grooming" and "an evolving concept of masculinity that embraces self-care," according to Mintel...
CPNA 2024: CosmeticsDesign's Top 3 Green Brands to Watch
We selected three stand-out brands during this year's Cosmoprof North America show that are innovators and leaders in the clean and green beauty space: a skin care brand, a packaging manufacturer, and a whole-body deodorant brand.
Resveratrol for peanuts: Thai study highlights potential peanut-derived resveratrol as hair growth, hair loss solution
A recent study shows the promising potential of peanut callus extract, which is rich in resveratrol, as a natural ingredient for hair growth stimulation and anti-hair loss treatments.
Green Amazon expedition explores 'veritable treasure trove for discovering new biological actives'
Apoena Biotech's recent expedition collected over 25 plant species and has isolated 'approximately 1,000 microorganisms from 100 collected samples' in search of new bioactive ingredients for cosmetic and personal care product formulations.