Skin Care

The 2011 Arab Spring revolutions in North Africa have had profound effects on the cosmetics industries in Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. While international brands have reputation on their side, local brands retain significant strength. But political instability has left many C&T businesses suffering.

Stretchmarks are a common skin problem that can affect anyone who gains or loses weight quickly including pregnant women, athletes and adolescents. While there's no definitive solution to stretchmarks, creams, oils, laser treatments and aesthetic procedures are available to diminish their appearance.

X-pressin from BASF is a new peeling system based on stabilised papain enzyme, derived from Carica papaya. It provides a gentle alternative to abrasive methods of skin exfoliation, boasts similar efficacy to salicylic acid and is ultra stable due to the use of crosslinkers.

India’s beauty market is dividing into internationally recognised branded products for the middle classes and unknown brands at the poorer end of the spectrum. Growth areas include direct selling, skin lightening and natural claims. Meanwhile, India's big brand owners are extending their reach both at home and abroad.

Responding to an upturn in the US economy, department stores and drug stores are improving their beauty product offering and retail spaces, while sectors performing strongly include lip and eye colour, hair care, naturals, fragrance and skin care

US and European beauty brands are growing in popularity among Vietnamese consumers, and with the region enjoying increasing urbanisation and rising income levels names like L’Oréal and Estée Lauder are keen to secure their place in Vietnam’s burgeoning luxury cosmetics industry

The gulf market’s appetite for personal care products, both traditional and niche, continues to grow. Paul Cochrane reports from Beirut

Forging ten countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam – into one ASEAN market is a tough task for the southeast Asia cosmetics industry, with potential issues surrounding the harmonisation of standards and technical requirements. But trends like skin lightening and male grooming are strong throughout the ASEAN region

Pharmaca is a one stop shop for all natural health and beauty needs. It comprises complementary health products along with an extensive beauty offering, alongside a traditional pharmacy set-up. Trained practitioners and aestheticians are on staff to advise consumers on their beauty needs. Pharmaca stores now operate in five states across the US with more planned for the future.

Hydrolysed collagen [Peptan Collagen Peptides] is a clinically proven nutricosmetic ingredient designed to enhance skin health from within. Hydrolysed collagen boasts skin rejuventation and anti-ageing properties, promotes the synthesis of new collagen fibres and helps improve the mechanical strength of skin