FEATURE ARTICLES

Medskin Solutions Dr. Suwelack examines the use of lyophilization (freeze-drying) as a formulation strategy to enhance the stability of labile actives.

Siltech describes a hydrophilic emulsifier that has a very high degree of polyether chains on the dimethicone backbone. It acts as a strong O/W emulsifier and dispersant

Katerina Steventon of the UK’s Independent Skincare Consultancy and Jule Lexa Völzke of CLR Berlin discuss psychodermatology and the spaces where sensation meets meaning and rituals intersect with neural pathways — where personal care becomes a form of emotional regulation as much as skin health maintenance

Interest in hair thinning and loss prevention using natural products or their extracts has increased. Princeton Consumer Research describes a study to review efficacy and safety of a hair serum that was shown to be effective, safe, well-tolerated by study participants with hair thinning.

Corum explains why diascorbyl azelate is more than just a Vitamin C derivative, it is a strategic upgrade in antioxidant science.

Roelmi HPC describes a study that aims at presenting a particular innovative approach to rebalancing the skin microbiota by benefiting the skin and preventing its alterations. Through a soft process, the bacteria are inactivated but retains all the beneficial actions toward our skin.

Lubrizol examines the shift toward beauty-from-within strategies, emphasizing the role of systemic factors such as oxidative stress, glycation, and gut health in skin ageing. The article discusses key challenges in nutraceutical formulation, particularly bioavailability, and explores how advanced technologies like microencapsulation can enhance the stability, absorption, and sensory properties of active ingredients

Active Concepts describes its Global Warming Hair Protection Assay, which uncovers the effects of environmental stress on hair and drives the development of innovative ingredients that safeguard strength, structure, and lifespan.

A Bloomage Biotechnology study addresses the key formulation challenges associated with micron-sized physical sunscreens and establishes a scientific foundation for the development of high-performance, user-friendly, and stable sunscreen products

Silab has developed a restructuring natural active ingredient that targets the lipid disorders of dry skin identified through a novel modelling study. The French company has leveraged its expertise in enzyme engineering and put in place a non-denaturing process enabling the extraction of a proline-rich peptide fraction from flowering tops of cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus)

Ethanol is widely used in personal care formulations, but its future in the EU is unclear with discussions on regulatory hazard classification ongoing. Decisions expected under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) and the Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation this year could influence everything from the placement of products on market to long-term formulation strategy, as Sagentia Regulatory explains.

Cosmebio explores why moving beyond formulations that are merely non-disruptive to the design of certified, microbiome-friendly cosmetics that significantly enhance microbial diversity is an essential step towards supporting skin resilience and optimizing the health of the entire metaorganism

in-cosmetics Global, the world’s leading event for personal care ingredients, returns to Paris next month offering the global beauty supply chain a critical opportunity to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.

Juan Carlos Escudero is the chief executive officer of Spanish cosmetic actives maker LipoTrue. Based in Barcelona, the company is celebrating ten years in business. In conversation with editor Tim Probert, Escudero discusses LipoTrue’s philosophy, product development and sales strategy, and the rise of biotechnology

In a rapidly evolving cosmetic market, where natural ingredients, proven efficacy, and environmental responsibility are no longer optional but essential, innovation must combine cutting-edge science with respect for living systems. This is precisely the space Natura-Tec SeaRenew™ occupies: a next-generation cosmetic active derived from marine and plant biotechnology, designed to stimulate hair growth, reduce hair loss, and strengthen the hair fibre, while now also offering promising benefits for eyelash care.

Spanish personal care ingredients maker Special Chemicals describes sulfated exopolysaccharides, which are derived from microalgae and have emerged as a compelling next-generation option. These biopolymers, naturally secreted by the red microalga Porphyridium cruentum, present a distinctive molecular architecture rich in sulfate groups and functional sugars that contributes to their hydrating, film-forming, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties

Cashew nuts are globally valued as a premium, nutrient-dense food, yet the vibrant cashew apple attached to each nut remains largely neglected. Swiss active ingredient maker Lipoid Kosmetik explains why its cashew apple extract is a powerful candidate for product concepts such as hydrating and revitalizing serums or creams highlighting pore-refining, complexion-smoothing face care, eco-ethical and fair-trade–inspired ranges

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) have historically dominated the chemical exfoliant category. However, polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are emerging as the next-generation alternative for sensitive or barrier-compromised skin, as Rhode Island, USA-headquartered Bradford outlines

Brazilian personal care active ingredient manufacturer Chemyunion presents the findings of a clinical study that indicate a deodorant ingredient contributes to the control and reduction of the pathogenic microorganism Staphylococcus aureus while supporting the maintenance of the beneficial microorganism Staphylococcus epidermidis

Sungho Lee is the President and CEO of Korean cosmetic raw material manufacturer Sunjin Beauty Science. Sungho received his Master of Science in Chemistry from Yale University, and his Bachelor in Biochemistry at Yonsei University in Seoul. With 2026 marking his 20th anniversary in the top job, Sungho spoke with editor Tim Probert about his time in the industry, about Sunjin’s growth and development, plus current and future trends