The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is now becoming relevant to businesses in the United Kingdom—but primarily through Northern Ireland. Regulation (EU) 2025/40 generally begun to apply on August 12, 2026. Under the Windsor Framework, much of the regulation applies in Northern Ireland, while Great Britain remains outside the EU PPWR framework. This...
K-beauty is growing from a trend-driven category into a global influence on personal care formulation. Its rapid spread has raised expectations around ingredient transparency, product performance, and a pleasant sensory experience in everyday routines. Korean skincare principles are moving beyond trends such as “glass skin” and “cloud skin” and are increasingly being applied by innovators...
A new development in UV-A filters is bringing a high-purity, water-soluble ingredient closer to wider use in cosmetic formulations. The ingredient has achieved the USP 44 quality standard and is backed by patented purification technology. A Korean patent has been secured as well. FDA approval is still required for finished sunscreen products. A recognized US...
As summer draws to a close, sunscreen remains an important focus for consumers and cosmetic companies, with regulatory requirements continuing to shape how these products are formulated and marketed. Alongside questions about SPF and UVA protection, brands are increasingly navigating discussions around mineral versus organic UV filters, nanomaterials and environmental claims. From an EU regulatory...
The European Commission is preparing Biotech Act II, a new initiative intended to strengthen the European Union’s position in industrial biotechnology and biomanufacturing. The initiative follows the first Biotech Act and takes a broader approach, focusing on the regulatory and market conditions needed to support biotechnology across the EU. Its objectives include addressing regulatory fragmentation,...
The beauty industry is taking a closer look at animal-derived ingredients such as squalane. Interest in plant-based alternatives is growing as ethics and sustainability receive more attention. Squalane has traditionally been sourced from shark liver oil, while shark hunting can pose a threat to marine ecosystems. Plant-derived squalane offers a way to meet demand for...
Indonesia has rolled out a unified labeling requirement for cosmetics and other goods that do not qualify as halal. This update holds particular importance for brands producing cosmetics or exporting into Indonesia, as it arrives alongside new rules about mandatory halal certification across various product categories. On July 23, 2026, the Indonesian Halal Product Assurance...
California’s SB 343, known as the “Truth in Recycling” or “Truth in Labeling” law, restricts the use of recycling symbols and claims on products and packaging unless they meet defined recyclability criteria. For cosmetic companies, the law is particularly relevant because many products use pumps, multilayer tubes, flexible pouches, airless systems and other packaging made...
When methods invented to enhance how medicines work start shaping the next generation of skincare, the result is a new class of cosmetic delivery systems. Many advanced solutions in modern cosmetics trace their origins to pharmaceutical innovations aimed at addressing the protection, movement, adn timed release of therapeutic ingredients. Today’s delivery systems exceed customary capsule-based...
The beauty and cosmetics market in the Middle East is growing rapidly. The market is expected to increase from US$14.3 billion in 2025 to US$20.8 billion by 2030. Saudi Arabia plays an important role in this growth, with strong beauty spending and particularly high demand for fragrance products. Premium beauty is gaining attention across the...
