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October in review: Boots sold for US$8.9B, Omnibus VI approved, luxury beauty branches out

In October, Wittington Investments agreed to acquire Boots for US$8.9 billion. The European Parliament approved Omnibus VI, giving cosmetics makers more time to withdraw products containing carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (CMR) substances. Luxury beauty players pushed beyond their core categories as Puig posted record third-quarter revenue and Chanel sold its majority stake in Capsum. Global beauty companies also shifted from selling into India to building there, with investments spanning the value chain. 
Woman applying cream to legs.
Skinification spreads to scalp and body as consumers demand proof and prevention
Consumers are bringing skin care expectations to the rest of their beauty routines. From scalp treatments to body care and makeup, ingredient suppliers and brands need to deliver credibly-backed benefits consumers can see and feel. This is causing them to turn to all-over personal care solutions that are rooted in skin care principles, called “skinification.” Industry experts say that the next phase of “skinification” is putting body care, scalp health, and sensory appeal in the spotlight. Beauty companies are responding with multifunctional ingredients and targeted delivery systems designed to support long-term skin health while maintaining lightweight, appealing textures. 
AIMPLAS scientist testing eye mask
AIMPLAS explores bacterial cellulose for sustainable after-sun face masks
AIMPLAS (Asociación de Investigación de Materiales Plásticos y Conexas) is investigating bacterial cellulose for after-sun facial masks. The Plastics Technology Centre is exploring the uses of the biodegradable material as a carrier for active ingredients in skin care formulations. Bacterial cellulose is a 100% natural biopolymer produced by certain bacteria, which AIMPLAS argues could be used to develop facial masks based on renewable hydrogels. 
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Sustainable beauty solutions
Innova Market Insights data indicates that new personal care launches with sustainable claims grew at a +31% CAGR from July 2021 to June 2026. While cruelty-free remains a key consumer marker of sustainable beauty, innovation is expanding into areas such as sustainable oils, 2-in-1 formats, recycled materials, and reef- and ocean-friendly solutions.
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Who masters the art of multifunctionality? We do.
Multifunctional ingredients are transforming personal care preservation by combining microbial protection with formulation efficiency, natural-origin positioning, skin benefits, sensory enhancement and easier processing. Ashland’s recent launches illustrate how preservative strategies can deliver added value, helping formulators create safer, more transparent, consumer-relevant products with stronger performance and clearer ingredient purpose.

This Technical Paper is brought to you by Ashland.
EvanHealy video thumbnail: Smiling bearded man alongside Evanhealy organic skincare products, including facial tonic, purifying infusion and eye balm, set among autumn leaves
EvanHealy: Botanical beauty and fostering farmer relationships

David Gordon, co-founder and CEO at EvanHealy, talks to us about building a botanical skin care brand in an increasingly crowded market. He explains how EvanHealy’s approach to ethical sourcing centers on personal relationships with farmers and producers, trust, and working with people who have a deep understanding of the land. We also explore the impact of climate change on botanical skin care and why direct engagement with farms is becoming increasingly important to ensure an ethical relationship with botanical sourcing.

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US FDA clears LRM to test growth factor injection for under-eye hollows
extreme closeup of someones eyes
Lynch Regenerative Medicine (LRM) has secured the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) green light to advance to Phase 2b clinical trials on the efficacy and safety of its injectable platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) for under-eye hollowing applications. The clinical trials on the Investigational New Drug (IND) will evaluate injectable recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB) in adults with infraorbital hollowing (IOH). LRM defines IOH as an aging-related thinning of the skin and loss of supporting tissues under the eyes, which can cause a tired appearance.  
CPL Aromas debuts desirability fragrance tech to push sensual scent from...
Woman flipping hair applying perfume on her body.
CPL Aromas has launched AromaWellness Desirability, the latest addition to its AromaWellness technology platform, exploring how fragrance can support feelings of desirability and attraction through scientifically demonstrated emotional benefits. The release responds to an evolving fragrance and wellness landscape in which consumers are looking increasingly toward scents associated with confidence, attraction, and emotional connection. CPL Aromas says that AromaWellness Desirability sits at the intersection of these three emotional territories. 
Fame to formulas: Celebrities deepen beauty push with approachable routines
Jennifer Lawrence Mes brand photo
The celebrity beauty landscape is becoming increasingly crowded as household names across the music and film industries sign on to cosmetics. While star-studded ambassadorships and ad campaigns have been an industry norm, recent launches show a wave of entrepreneurial spirit from A-listers. This week alone, actress Jeniffer Lawrence debuted her hair care brand, and singer Dove Cameron of Disney Channel fame launched a skin care line with Curology.  
How small beauty brands can navigate tariff turbulence and refunds
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Smaller beauty brands are inevitably impacted more by tariffs, but there are options to recuperate the financial burden that they may not be aware of. Navigating the refund process can return a significant sum to indie brands that absorbed tariff costs rather than passing them on to customers. Zineb Zayer, founder of Your Saha, walks Personal Care Insights through what it did to circumvent tariff pressure. She reveals that quick adaptation, creative strategies, and third-party aid prevail when building a beauty brand in an era of tariffs muddying the business waters. 
Coty partners with Brandlight to boost brand visibility in AI search
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Coty has announced a strategic partnership with Brandlight, an AI visibility platform, to help its brands show up more often in beauty search results from AI assistants and generative AI search platforms. The deal aims to strengthen how Coty’s brands are discovered as consumers increasingly turn to AI tools for beauty discovery instead of traditional search engines. 
SupplySide Global 2026: Kerry backs life-stage women’s health and targeted gut...
Kerry at SupplySide Global 2026

Nutrition Insight

Product innovations for women’s health and the gut microbiome are becoming more targeted as consumers seek solutions tailored to specific life stages, health needs, and daily routines. At the ongoing SupplySide Global 2026 trade show (Oct 28–30) in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, the company is showcasing concepts that combine science-backed ingredients with its formulation, taste, and delivery expertise across women’s, digestive, and immune health. On the show floor, Amy Smith, Ph.D., senior director of medical affairs at Kerry, tells Nutrition Insight that women’s health is a central focus for the company at SupplySide Global 2026, where today Kerry also hosts the session “Supporting Women’s Health Through Every Life Stage.” 
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Business News
Commodity costs divide Unilever and Beiersdorf on beauty...
Unilever and Beiersdorf’s respective Q3 2026 financial results reveal opposite approaches to pricing as the multinational consumer goods giants navigate rising commodity costs.Unilever raised its prices across its beauty, personal care, and home care divisions, but has reported selling more products despite higher price tags. Beiersdorf, meanwhile, is staying out of price hikes and looking to win back shoppers for Nivea, the company’s largest brand.
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Tech & Innovation
The three trends transforming beauty tech
Personal care technology giant Philips has identified three technology trends revolutionizing the beauty industry: personalized guidance, at-home devices, and human connection. The central theme connecting the three is everyday routines evolving into moments of care. Philips says personal care has become a meaningful part of daily well-being, with people making intentional choices about how they begin their mornings, unwind in the evening, and care for themselves throughout the day. The company identifies that technologies are fostering more personalized, supportive, and meaningful relationships between people and products. 
A gavel in front of an EU flag.
Policy & regulation news
Omnibus VI vote grants cosmetic companies grace periods for...
The European Parliament has approved revised rules under the Omnibus VI chemicals package, giving cosmetic manufacturers in the EU more time to withdraw products containing carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (CMR) substances. The changes give beauty brands more room to plan reformulations and run down existing inventory, while keeping the ban on CMR ingredients in place. However, consumer safety advocates warn that longer withdrawal periods could leave potentially harmful products on shelves for longer. 

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Anti-aging collagen solutionsOct2026

Innova Market Insights data shows that consumers worldwide are increasingly interested in collagen as part of their diet, with aging-related concerns emerging as an important area of focus. Reflecting...

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Next-level “skinification” Oct 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates a 38% growth in skincare-related claims in hair and body product launches from July 2021 to June 2026. This trend highlights the growing convergence of skincare and haircare, as brands increasingly apply skincare-inspired ingredients, technologies, and targeted benefits to products for the hair, scalp, and body.

Trend analysis

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Sustainable beauty solutionsSep 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that new personal care launches with sustainable claims grew at a +31% CAGR from July 2021 to June 2026. While cruelty-free remains a key consumer marker of sustainable beauty, innovation is expanding into areas such as sustainable oils, 2-in-1 formats, recycled materials, and reef- and ocean-friendly solutions.

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EvanHealy video thumbnail: Smiling bearded man alongside Evanhealy organic skincare products, including facial tonic, purifying infusion and eye balm, set among autumn leaves
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EvanHealy: Botanical beauty and fostering farmer relationships

David Gordon, co-founder and CEO at EvanHealy, talks to us about building a botanical skin care brand in an increasingly crowded market. He explains how EvanHealy’s approach to ethical sourcing centers on personal relationships with farmers and producers, trust, and working with people who have...

Azitra video thumbnail: Laboratory researcher handling a sample beside a microscope, with a black-and-white portrait inset in a pink circular frame
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Azitra: Functional human filaggrin for barrier support
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LeNose targets Gen Z home luxury with perfumer-crafted hand soaps
Vantage body care ad featuring a woman applying a body scrub, with the message “Body care meets faceification. High-performance, head to toe
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Body care meets faceification. High-performance, head to toe
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