Be honest: how many times have you told yourself, “If I could just slow down and have one day to myself, I’d feel better?” We’re all going a thousand miles an hour, shifting from one task to the next, and we very rarely just take a moment to stop and smell the roses, so to speak.
This month’s issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries is all about slow aging and finding cosmetics that work SPECIFICALLY for what you need. As the industry shifts towards a longevity focus and addressing the cellular causes of aging, formulators are looking for ingredients and technologies with a scientific approach. This is also where the personalization trend comes into play; how can formulators make a product just for one consumer based on their specific needs?
In our cover story, Rachel Mallon of Oriflame Cosmetics discusses peptides and their potential uses in longevity skincare. She explains that the things that define “health” and “wellness” have evolved drastically, and it’s important for cosmetics companies to keep up with that evolution.
The Expert Opinions column for this month is all about dermocosmetics, hybrid products that bridge the gap between traditional cosmetics and clinical dermatology. This is an area that I’m particularly interested in, and it was so insightful to read all of the responses from our industry partners. There is a clear demand for science-backed, clinically effective skincare, and we’re only at the beginning of its boom.
Thomas Navarro and his team at Prose have written an article on the company’s dual approach to hyper-personalized products through regulatory methodology and live A/B performance testing. Their direct-to-consumer model allowed them to create a “formulation architecture” for each category, helping them navigate complex regulatory frameworks. I highly recommend this article for a peek into how personalization is truly possible.
For Industry Insights, I wrote about beauty brands creating anti-stress cosmetics and how research on cortisol levels in skin is making its way into actual formulations. I won’t lie, writing this article made me want to have a spa day, and I hope you feel the same effect reading it.
Slow aging isn’t about stopping the aging process; it’s about going with the body’s biological processes and addressing the core issues, stopping to take a moment and take stock of what’s going on. So this is my invitation to you to slow down as you read this month’s issue. Put on a face mask and a playlist that brings joy. It’ll be worth it.
