FEATURE ARTICLES

Up to the 19th century, skin whiteness was popular within the upper classes, hinting at a noble life of leisure spent indoors, as dark skin was mostly associated with labouring in fields all day.

Exposure to air pollutants is one of the major threats to skin health. Contaminants attack the skin on several levels: they induce oxidative stress, they stimulate inflammatory pathways, and they accelerate the ageing process of skin.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, incosmetics Asia welcomed a record 10,302 visitors from around the world – representing an increase of 17% compared to 2016 – to learn about the latest ingredients and hottest global trends.

Bringing to market an exciting and unique cosmetic formulation is the dream of many entrepreneurs and in many instances the assistance of an expert formulator and/or manufacturer (hereafter simply referred to as a ‘manufacturer’) will be required.

While it is readily acknowledged that attitudes to beauty and product textures differ according to region, it is important to also remember that fragrance preferences can also be specific to certain countries.

Over the past few years, consumer demands and, therefore market trends, have registered a shift towards preservativefree formulations, which are viewed as being healthier and natural but at the same time are able to grant a good stability, good organoleptic characteristics and, over all, a good resistance to microbial contamination.

Mildness in cleansing systems for face and hair is a critical characteristic for consumers. Consumers are interested in low or noirritation systems to maintain the health of their skin and hair.

The protection from microorganisms is absolutely necessary to ensure consumer safety during the shelf life and use of a cosmetic product.

A better understanding of the skin’s physiological and biological processes, and a deeper knowledge of biomaterials and bio-nanotechnology, made possible the progress in developing innovative bioengineered non-woven tissues.1–4

Air pollution, caused mainly by industry, vehicle fumes, cigarette smoke together with high energy sunlight (UV), are known to have a detrimental effect on our skin and body, starting from our appearance, such as early signs of ageing including wrinkles, pigmentation spots, disrupted skin barrier, overall dryness and skin imperfections.

In the past years, extremolytes became well-established active ingredients thanks to their special efficacy and characteristics.

Traditional foundation and face powder makeup are an important part of the consumer’s beauty routine and several new trends are contributing to the rise in number and type of cosmetics available for the face.

The reduction of conspicuous facial pores is of great interest in cosmeceuticals. We evaluated the effect of fullerene application on conspicuous facial pores by using the VISIA system and by microscopic observation in a clinical trial.

The choice of which oils to use when developing a new product for a men’s skin care range is something that is not always given major consideration.

Androgenetic alopecia results from a deregulation of the hair growth cycle, mainly affecting men and characterised by thinner, shorter and unpigmented hair, forming a down

One of the most dynamic sectors of the global beauty market is the male grooming sector. Showing steady growth over the years the global market is estimated to be worth around $21.4 billion by the end of 2016, a rise from $17.3 billion in 2012 with predicted growth to $26.6 by 2020.1

One of the problems when tackling the concept of men’s grooming is the fact that ‘men’s grooming’ is considered a concept in its own right in the first place.

There is a growing trend to use cosmetics which are free from alcohol, animal fats, and gelatin among the global population, thus, creating room for consumption of Halal cosmetics across the globe. This trend is expected to increase in the future owing to growth in adoption of cosmetics among the Muslim population

Southeast Asia is a microcosm of business on a global scale, as companies are focusing brand developments and expansions within the region. The beauty landscape is revolutionising along with modern consumerism, which, in turn, offers infinite opportunities.

The cosmetic market is in a continual search for more innovative, functional, and environment-friendly ingredients. As such, Emosmart™ and Emogreen™ have been awarded on several occasions by the industry. These two ranges of emollients, readily biodegradable and endowed with sensory attractiveness, respond to consumer demand.