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EU microplastics ban pushes beauty from ingredient swaps to manufacturing change

The European Union (EU) is cracking down on microplastics intentionally added to cosmetics due to their environmental persistence. Turning to bio-based formulations could help cosmetic manufacturers skirt upcoming bottlenecks, but at scale, these materials present formulation challenges. Experts suggest that it may be time for the beauty industry to update its manufacturing processes.The 2027 EU Microplastics Ban began applying in phases in October 2023. It targets synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM), which are solid microplastic polymers smaller than 5mm.
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Holistic beauty turns to whole-body care and clinical substantiation
The lines between skin care, nutrition, wellness, and preventive health are blurring in the personal care industry. Awareness of the connection between the skin, gut, sleep, stress, and lifestyle is growing, and consumers are looking for solutions that go beyond addressing visible concerns. Attention on holistic beauty is growing, encouraging people to pay more attention to how they feel, age, and live in the long term. 
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How carbon capture can rewrite surfactant chemistry in personal care
Carbon capture is emerging as a climate-friendly cosmetics solution, according to green chemistry company Viridi. The technology converts captured emissions into beauty feedstocks, introducing a cycle within production. It works by capturing CO2 emissions and converting them into new materials, chemicals, or products.
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Mushroom-derived ingredients
Innova Market Insights data shows growth in the use of mushroom ingredients in personal care launches, with a 14% CAGR from July 2021 to June 2026. Skin and hair care products featured the highest use of mushroom ingredients, while body care experienced the fastest growth in innovation. These ingredients are most commonly found in hydrating products, where they provide softening and smoothing benefits.
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Automating sleeved bottle packaging without compromising pack design
This article highlights the automation of sleeved bottle packaging, transforming a manual process into a high-speed solution while preserving brand identity and ensuring compatibility with both automated and manual operations.

This Technical Paper is brought to you by Cama Group.
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Consumer Reports: States urged to regulate braiding hair amid federal silence

Consumer Reports found heavy metals in nearly all braiding hair it tested, and volatile organic compounds in every sample. James Rogers, director and head of product safety testing at Consumer Reports, tells Personal Care Insights that no US federal agency clearly regulates the category, leaving labeling claims unchecked. He urges manufacturers to test ingredients and final products. Rogers also expects state rules and consumer spending to eventually drive change.

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Saanroo study reveals serum cuts gray hair by 15.5% as pro-aging reshapes hair...
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Saanroo has published the first clinical study of its HairAge Vitae ingredient on hair pigmentation, reporting a 15.5% reduction in gray hair density among adults who applied a topical serum for 12 weeks. The research arrives as longevity and preventative aging are transforming the personal care industry. Saanroo’s findings suggest a potential route to reducing gray hair at the source, rather than masking it with dye. 
Shinsung Materials secures US standard and Korean patent for UV-A filter
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Shinsung Materials has secured a Korean patent and achieved US quality standards for its high-purity, water-soluble Ecamsule UV-A filter. The company says the development could broaden the ingredient’s applications in cosmetic formulations. Ecamsule has achieved a USP 44 standard, meeting the official US chemical purity, safety, and quality specifications required for use in over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen products. However, FDA approval for finished products is still necessary.
US–Canada tariff war escalates with reciprocal 50% cosmetics duties
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Canada has hit back at the US’s imposition of 50% tariffs by implementing its own “dollar-for-dollar” duties. Both countries have now included cosmetics in the trade war. The Canadian countermove responds to US tariffs that took effect Saturday, August 22. The US levies were set to take place on August 19, but were delayed for negotiations that have since collapsed. 
Lookfantastic predicts next beauty season led by longevity and efficacy
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Lookfantastic has released its Autumn/Winter (AW) 2026 Trend Report, highlighting the rise of simplified beauty routines shaped by long-term efficacy, multifunctionality, and wellness. The report spotlights enhanced skin barrier support, simplified skin care, and beauty longevity as trends set to shape the beauty category in the upcoming season. Moreover, the rise of scalp-focused hair care and the growing convergence of beauty and health point to consumers becoming more educated and prioritizing results.
Target launches Beauty Studio with K-beauty and premium skin care focus
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Target is launching Target Beauty Studio, an in-store and online specialty beauty space featuring over 1,600 products from 90 brands, with most brands debuting on the store’s shelves as part of the kick-off. The US retailer is leveraging its merchandising authority to offer an elevated shopping experience, presenting beauty trends, innovations, and enhanced discovery.Target is said to be investing in differentiation through curated offerings and elevated experience as part of its plans to return to growth.
Protein restriction and longevity: EUFIC weighs the evidence for healthy aging
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Nutrition Insight

A new review outlines a potential link between restricting specific amino acids and extending lifespan. In response to this finding, the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) raises several considerations, underscoring that the reality is more nuanced than direct guidance that “less protein is better.” It instead raises questions about the role protein’s specific amino acid composition plays in healthy aging.
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Personal Care Insights News
Plant-based squalane scales amid mounting sustainability...
The beauty industry’s emphasis on ethics and sustainability is incentivizing the reimagination of animal-derived ingredients like squalane. The market is showing a preference for plant-based substitutes of the hydration hero ingredient, which is traditionally sourced from shark liver oil. Alongside animal suffering, shark hunting can pose a threat to marine ecosystems due to their important role in aquatic habitats.“Plant-derived squalene provides an opportunity to meet the same ingredient demand without relying on an animal source,” Bryan See, VP president of biotechnology and ingredient company, PhytoGaia, tells Personal Care Insights.
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Business News
Regent to acquire Avon North America, reuniting it with...
Regent will acquire the entirety of LG Household & Health Care’s (LG H&H) stake in Avon North America. Avon International and North America will be reunited under the global investment firm. Michael A. Reinstein, founder, chairman, and CEO of Regent, says: “Bringing Avon North America and Avon International back together gives Avon clearer ownership, a shared strategy, and a stronger foundation for growth… Our job now is to put the scale of the combined business behind better products, sharper execution, and a stronger earning opportunity for the people who sell them.” 
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Policy & regulation news
South Korea passes landmark law to fuel K-beauty industry
South Korea has passed legislation to develop Korea’s beauty industry into a primary engine of national economic growth. This is the country’s first legal framework made specifically to cultivate the commercial development of the sector. The National Assembly approving the Act on the Fostering and Support of the Cosmetics Industry (Cosmetics Industry Promotion Act) provides a legal foundation to support the entire cosmetics ecosystem. It gives the Ministry of Health and Welfare formal authority to help cosmetics brands, manufacturers, R&D, raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and distribution. 

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Eco-conscious cosmeticsAug2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that environmental aspects are important to consumers when purchasing beauty & personal care products. New product launches show 15% CAGR for products with et...

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Next-gen holistic beauty Aug 2026

According to Innova Market Insights data, 28% of consumers globally say that a more holistic or multi-dimensional approach allows them to adopt a more self-sufficient approach to their health. As this mindset extends into beauty, brands are taking a broader approach to personal care, combining appearance, wellness, and long-term health in increasingly multifunctional products.

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Mushroom-derived ingredients Aug 2026

Innova Market Insights data shows growth in the use of mushroom ingredients in personal care launches, with a 14% CAGR from July 2021 to June 2026. Skin and hair care products featured the highest use of mushroom ingredients, while body care experienced the fastest growth in innovation. These ingredients are most commonly found in hydrating products, where they provide softening and smoothing benefits.

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Consumer Reports video thumbnail: Stylist braiding purple extensions into a client’s long black hair, with a circular professional headshot inset
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Consumer Reports: States urged to regulate braiding hair amid federal silence

Consumer Reports found heavy metals in nearly all braiding hair it tested, and volatile organic compounds in every sample. James Rogers, director and head of product safety testing at Consumer Reports, tells Personal Care Insights that no US federal agency clearly...

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NYSCC Suppliers’ Day 2026: Givaudan highlights PrimalHyal 300 for skin repair
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