The EU deadline for a full marketing ban on animal-tested cosmetic products is approaching. While experts debate whether alternative in vitro and in vivo methods will be ready in time, many believe that in the long run alternatives to animal testing, which are able to take human variation into account, will help develop our understanding of why certain ingredients provoke certain reactions

Bathroom products manufacturers are striving to cater to consumer demand for relaxing and energising bath/shower products with appealing scents, effective cleansing properties and good skin feel. For extra impact in a commodity market, many are adding a wow factor to bath additives with colour and texture effects. Whereas others have tapped into the trends for natural, food-themed and skin care related bath/shower products. The next generation of anti-bacterial hand soaps, meanwhile, promise to kill gems while protecting skin.

The latest SCS Formulate (15-16 November 2011) welcomed more visitors to see more exhibitors than ever before. And while sustainable ingredients continued to account for a large portion of new and/or heavily promoted products, exhibitors also showcased a variety of solutions to make the lives of cosmetic chemists that little bit less stressful

French company Melvita is expanding worldwide offering organic products for everyday use including Cosmebio certified food supplements and skin care ranges

2011 was a year full of acquisitions, expansions and launches in the cosmetics market as the industry recovered from the economic troubles of the previous year. The year proved to be dynamic and there were positive signs that things were on the up

New mascara trends include false lash effect products, growth accelerators, conditioning mascaras and permanent mascaras. Efficacy is optimised through interaction between the formulation and applicator.

Silicones are used in barrier creams, body washes, shampoos, hair conditioners and fixative products. cosmeticsbusiness.com looks at a variety of silicones – including cyclotetrasiloxane and cyclopentasiloxane – plus alternatives for natural, organic and free from products.

Innovation in nail care and a boom in BB cream and primer launches, alongside the introduction of make-up with skin care benefits has kept the colour cosmetics market buoyant in 2010/11

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.

The TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes was evidence that the global travel retail industry is back in form.

New Zealand has a wealth of natural ingredients including manuka honey, totarol – a natural preservative – and harakeke – a native flax claimed to be more hydrating than aloe vera. The surge of natural and organic companies in New Zealand is no surprise, with some brands becoming popular abroad. Trilogy, Living Nature and Comvita are just an example of New Zealand natural companies that are doing well worldwide.

Changing legislation may have both positive and negative impacts on the aerosol manufacturing industry. But C&T companies have plenty of choice when it comes to aerosol cans, actuators, valves and propellants.

Some Chinese manufacturers package and label samples of hazardous chemicals as non-hazardous substances to avoid additional cost and paperwork. SampleRite can help chemical companies ensure all samples from China are dispatched with the correct paperwork economically

Surfactant systems for effective shampooing, natural cleansing agents and the use of skin care ingredients in conditioners are major stories in hair care technology, while more ingredients are being launched for use in niche products, such as those for itching scalps and greying or thinning hair.

Nail products have been one of the best performing sectors worldwide in the past couple of years and British brand Nails Inc caters for most needs when it comes to nail varnish, manicures and pedicures. However the company is increasingly branching into nail art as a lucrative revenue stream and has recently made a move into the US and Canadian markets.