FEATURE ARTICLES

Ethanol is widely used in personal care formulations, but its future in the EU is unclear with discussions on regulatory hazard classification ongoing. Decisions expected under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) and the Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation this year could influence everything from the placement of products on market to long-term formulation strategy, as Sagentia Regulatory explains.

Cosmebio explores why moving beyond formulations that are merely non-disruptive to the design of certified, microbiome-friendly cosmetics that significantly enhance microbial diversity is an essential step towards supporting skin resilience and optimizing the health of the entire metaorganism

in-cosmetics Global, the world’s leading event for personal care ingredients, returns to Paris next month offering the global beauty supply chain a critical opportunity to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.

Juan Carlos Escudero is the chief executive officer of Spanish cosmetic actives maker LipoTrue. Based in Barcelona, the company is celebrating ten years in business. In conversation with editor Tim Probert, Escudero discusses LipoTrue’s philosophy, product development and sales strategy, and the rise of biotechnology

In a rapidly evolving cosmetic market, where natural ingredients, proven efficacy, and environmental responsibility are no longer optional but essential, innovation must combine cutting-edge science with respect for living systems. This is precisely the space Natura-Tec SeaRenew™ occupies: a next-generation cosmetic active derived from marine and plant biotechnology, designed to stimulate hair growth, reduce hair loss, and strengthen the hair fibre, while now also offering promising benefits for eyelash care.

Spanish personal care ingredients maker Special Chemicals describes sulfated exopolysaccharides, which are derived from microalgae and have emerged as a compelling next-generation option. These biopolymers, naturally secreted by the red microalga Porphyridium cruentum, present a distinctive molecular architecture rich in sulfate groups and functional sugars that contributes to their hydrating, film-forming, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties

Cashew nuts are globally valued as a premium, nutrient-dense food, yet the vibrant cashew apple attached to each nut remains largely neglected. Swiss active ingredient maker Lipoid Kosmetik explains why its cashew apple extract is a powerful candidate for product concepts such as hydrating and revitalizing serums or creams highlighting pore-refining, complexion-smoothing face care, eco-ethical and fair-trade–inspired ranges

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) have historically dominated the chemical exfoliant category. However, polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are emerging as the next-generation alternative for sensitive or barrier-compromised skin, as Rhode Island, USA-headquartered Bradford outlines

Brazilian personal care active ingredient manufacturer Chemyunion presents the findings of a clinical study that indicate a deodorant ingredient contributes to the control and reduction of the pathogenic microorganism Staphylococcus aureus while supporting the maintenance of the beneficial microorganism Staphylococcus epidermidis

Sungho Lee is the President and CEO of Korean cosmetic raw material manufacturer Sunjin Beauty Science. Sungho received his Master of Science in Chemistry from Yale University, and his Bachelor in Biochemistry at Yonsei University in Seoul. With 2026 marking his 20th anniversary in the top job, Sungho spoke with editor Tim Probert about his time in the industry, about Sunjin’s growth and development, plus current and future trends

The skin is the body’s first line of defence, ensured by the barrier function role of the stratum corneum. When this barrier function is altered, the skin progressively loses its defence capabilities, making it vulnerable to dehydration and redness, but also to premature and visible signs of skin ageing. In particular, this is the case for dry skin or skin irritated by the use of certain molecules such as retinol.

Natix explains why its natural ingredient made from Angelica represents a valuable functional active for cosmetic formulations targeting firmness, elasticity, and skin comfort, meeting the specific needs of mature and sensitive skin

After four years of research and development, French biotechnology company Core Biogenesis has launched two biomimetic actives. This article explores the biotechnological foundation of molecular farming, the functional advantages of oleosome delivery, and the clinical evidence positioning oleosome-delivered growth factors as a superior and sustainable alternative to retinol

CLR has developed an active ingredient based on milk, and rich in growth factors, that has been shown to increase the production of all key molecules in making skin firmer and reducing wrinkles. These cell biological results underline the different outcomes when WP Complex is applied on human skin: it makes skin thicker, firms skin, and reduces wrinkles.

Azeco describes a Tetraselmis suecica fermentate that exemplifies how advanced enzymatic and probiotic technologies can unveil a new level of efficacy from natural ingredients. By combining enzymatic hydrolysis with Saccharomyces boulardii fermentation, multiple effects address both the cause and effect of skin ageing.

The beauty industry is under increasing pressure to demonstrate credible sustainability credentials, not only through packaging or carbon offsets, but through ingredient sourcing and lifecycle impact. Botallow, New Zealand’s first and largest cosmetic-grade tallow ingredient supplier, is pioneering circular, traceable ingredients derived from agricultural by-products

Croda Beauty explains how it is helping customers turn carbon data into a strategic advantage: fuelling innovation, improving cost-efficiency, and supporting climate-considered formulation and decarbonisation

Biocogent describes the results obtained from in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo testing of a novel approach of delivering of RNA-based messages to skin cells produces highly beneficial outcomes – critical fibre protein levels are bolstered with youthful facial features being restored

Enginzyme explains its process of biocatalysis and why the future of personal care manufacturing will not belong solely to chemists or biologists, but to those who master both.

Evolved By Nature describes its new bioactive peptide that stimulates collagen production and supports fibroblast equilibrium, while avoiding fibrosis and inflammation, offering a safer and more effective approach to maintaining healthy, resilient skin.