Nanoencapsulation can make significant savings for formulators as it can reduce the amount of active ingredients needed, according to Ken Chomistek, a research engineer with Microfluidics.

The antioxidant properties of green tea have lead many researchers to investigate its potential as an anti-aging ingredient, both for topical application and as a supplement. However, a new study suggests this might not be the miracle extract the world has been waiting for.

The removal of parabens by some cosmetic manufacturers is a reaction to “outrageous claims” made by the media and pressure from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), not consumer pressure, according to Dene Godfrey from S Black.

At Suppliers’ Day in New Jersey last week CosmeticsDesign.com spoke to Kris Kudrnac of K3 Corporation who explained how the industry is experiencing a “mad rush” for natural and organic preservatives.

Organic alternatives to certain synthetic ingredients have been elusive. Peter Boncelet from Earth Supplied Products explains why organic cosmetics have yet to fully live up to the marketing hype but suggests that chemistry is starting to catch up.

Industry and NGOs addressed ethical ingredients sourcing at the Sourcing with Respect conference held in Munich on April 24. At the event, organised by the Union for Ethical BioTrade, Katie Bird spoke to Juan Marco Alvarez from the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) about the need of the private sector to back up their claims by third parties.

Negotiations on the trade in biodiversity-based products that will impact how cosmetic companies source their natural ingredients were continued earlier this week in Paris.

Cosmetics Compact brings you the highlights of the sites’ top science. This week we explore why hair turns grey and look at possible mechanisms to fight against the culprit hydrogen peroxide.

Cosmetics Compact brings you highlights of the sites' top science. This week, essential oils are in the spotlight as a Swedish researcher suggests they can become allergenic compounds on contact with air or skin enzymes.

Above the buzz of conversation at the busy PCD Congress in Paris, CosmeticsDesign.com spoke to Eric Scheid from Henkel to find out how studying the life-cycle of cosmetics can spark green product ideas into life. A shower gel starts life on the factory floor and travels miles to reach consumers but it is in the bathroom where the product does most damage to the environment. Scheid quantifies this damage and explains how waterless soap and new packaging designs can reduce the energy soaked up in the morning wash.