Methods & Processes
Modeling the Dynamics of Hair Movement
Jan 16, 2015
The dynamics of hair movement are of particular interest to product developers because they are important to consumers. In relation, computer animation and 3D modeling expert Norman Badler, PhD, of the University of Pennsylvania, will discuss ways to model the dynamics of hair movement during the Cosmetics & Toiletries Summit.
Formulators Can Avoid Quality Disasters
Dec 10, 2014
There are a number of things that cosmetic chemists can do to avoid problems in production and ultimately in the marketplace. In the laboratory, almost anything is possible, but production life is very different.
IFSCC 2014 Explores Social, Psychological and Sensorial Aspects of Beauty
Nov 6, 2014
As one might expect from an event centered around beauty and staged in Paris, the 28th Congress of the International Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) was nothing less than fabulous. However, the glamour and fanfare was deeply rooted in science.
Assessing Beauty By Facial Topography, Color and Symmetry
Oct 1, 2014
The notion of “aging gracefully” no longer applies, as consumers are constantly judging each other’s facial features to assess their beauty. Here, based on recent studies, it is suggested that facial topography, symmetry and color dictate those assessments. While the cosmetics industry can lessen some of these factors, some are a result of biology or lifestyle.
Practical Foam Science
Sep 23, 2014
Foam science can be confusing, so the temptation is to formulate by trial and error. However, understanding the science behind key aspects of foam—i.e., elasticity, DLVO Theory stability, Ostwald ripening, draining and antifoams—and applying this will fast-track foam development. These concepts are detailed here.
Deriving Renewable Squalane from Sugarcane
Jul 1, 2014
Commercial use of squalane has been constrained by an inconsistent supply and resulting price volatility, but modern biotechnology has been able to leverage enzyme-catalyzed chemical reactions found in nature coupled with traditional chemical processing steps to create a high-quality source of renewable squalane.
3D Printing 'Popping Up' in Personal Care
May 16, 2014
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is popping up in many fields, including in cosmetics and personal care development; from behind the scenes, in R&D package concept labs, to presentations at in-cosmetics and the April SCS Symposium—even at home, in one former Harvard student's printable cosmetic device concept.
R&D Spending: 'Investment' vs. Expense
May 7, 2014
It's not news that top-performing companies are putting resources into R&D. Interestingly, however, according to the U.S. Commerce Department, if R&D spending were treated as an investment rather than an expense, the overall growth of gross domestic product could be much higher.
Science-based Skin Care in Demand
May 2, 2014
Science-based skin care is not new to the industry, but according to market research firm Diagonal Reports, it's a new demand from consumers. Speakers at the C&T Summit will address means to meet this demand on June 26 and 27. Register now!
Understanding Fragrance Allergy, Is Fragrance-free Always Necessary?
May 1, 2014
This article reviews studies to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis due to fragrance, including a patch test designed to measure such. Limitations of patch testing, the relevance of fragrance concentration in products, use testing of common consumer products, and dermatologist recommendations to manage fragrance contact allergy also are discussed.
Penn State Develops 3D Model Linking Facial Features to DNA
Mar 25, 2014
Researchers at Penn State have developed a three-dimensional model that illustrates connections between the shape of the human face and DNA.
Skin Aging Characteristics of Russian Women
Feb 24, 2014
There appear to be no published studies on facial aging in Russian women, despite clear interest from the industry in this market. In order to formulate products, it is necessary to understand the end consumer. This article therefore explores a recent study of 203 Russian women and describes their aging specificities versus other, more studied Caucasian populations.
C&T Summit Explores Proteomics to Examine Hair Damage
Feb 10, 2014
Damage to the hair shaft can lead to the breakdown of proteins from the hair, which can provide an early diagnostic for damage before it is manifested at the macro-structural level. Mike Davis will explore this approach during the Cosmetics & Toiletries Summit this June.
Plant Cell Technology
Jan 13, 2014
While plant stem cells initially were marketed for their technological potential, they recently have been identified as an alternative, sustainable mean to produce nature-derived extracts and molecules.
Visualizing the Impact of Emulsifiers on Emulsion Perception
Jan 13, 2014
This paper describes an approach to systematically investigate the intrinsic effects of emulsifiers, quantify them and translate them into consumer preferences. These are processed mathematically and displayed in a simplified, two-dimensional map to assist formulation work.
Role of Photography in Acne Metrics*
Dec 1, 2013
To optimally treat acne, an accurate severity assessment is required1 and while visual assessments have relied on text descriptions, lesion counting and photographic methods, an ideal grading system would be more accurate and reproducible. Further, its ease of use, and time and monetary costs are also important. Here, the authors consider different approaches for improved acne assessments using photography.
Sustainable Ingredients and Innovation in Cosmetics
Aug 1, 2013
Demands for innovation and nature in personal care products have, until now, experienced parallel growth according to consumer perception; i.e., the need for efficacy and the need for purity. Considering these diverse views, this article explores how it is possible to create products that satisfy both via sustainability; bringing natural sourcing to ingredients that are innovative and scientifically proven.
How does the My Library tool work?
Jan 1, 2013
The Cosmetics & Toiletries website has a tool called My Library that you can use to save and organize articles for future reference. View this tutorial slideshow to learn how the My Library tool works.
The Harvest of Marine-derived Cosmetic Ingredients: A Case Study of Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae
Aug 1, 2011
This paper reviews the knowledge and nature of the harvest practices for the octocoral Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae. P. elisabethae extract has been used for nearly two decades in cosmetics and preparations for skin benefits, and a review of the harvest provides product developers with an interesting case study of the harvest of a marine resource.
Multiple Emulsions: Applications in Cosmetics
Aug 1, 2008
Multiple emulsions and factors affecting their preparation are discussed in this article that also lists the advantages of each of the two main types—w/o/w and o/w/o—and gives examples of each in cosmetic formulations.