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In this exclusive interview, we caught up with Brian Ecclefield, the Founder of  Validated Claim Support, who shares his thoughts and insights into the testing market, harmoniziation and disruptive trends as well as a secret very few people know…

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Sunscreen is exploding currently. Can you share some insights into what is going on in the field, especially with regards to testing and perhaps the role retailers and influencers are playing?

Exploding is a great adjective here, as that is exactly what sunscreen is doing at the moment.  There are numerous articles regarding underperforming sunscreens on the market, and social media is volatile with back and forth assertations and allegations.  

The global market has had a major push towards “Mineral Sunscreens” which means those which contain only Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.  “Organic SPF Filters” have been somewhat vilified in a variety of markets due to their potential for degradation and interaction with the human body and the environment as a whole (as an easy example think “Reef Safe”).  

From a chemistry perspective, “Organic” or “Chemical” sunscreen filters are extremely effective and often backed by decades of bioavailability and safety studies at the global level.  Zinc and Titanium tend to have a fairly limited “efficacy range,” and only in the best formulations at extremely high quantities can the two ingredients successfully achieve water resistant SPF 50+ results. 

That said, they seem to be the two ingredients that find their way into the newest formulations, particularly within the US Market which has extremely limited filter choices due to FDA (over) regulation of the space.

With so much regulatory scrutiny and consumer skepticism, what does the future hold for cosmetic claims? Global harmonization in claims acceptability?

The market at large is currently “adapting” to push the boundaries of these “mineral” filters as far as possible, and that is often being done with “SPF Boosters” such as Butyloctyl Salicylate (BOS).

SPF Boosters are “quasi-regulated” and they do not have to appear in the “Active Ingredients” section of a sunscreen’s label despite the fact that they have a clear and direct impact upon the final SPF (the same formula with and without BOS will have a higher SPF once the BOS is added). 

Until regulatory can catch up with the “booster trend” consumers need to stay wary of “100% Mineral” SPF Label Claims, as they may be misleading since there are non mineral ingredients impacting the formula.  Chemically, BOS is very similar to Octisalate, which is an approved SPF active ingredient in most markets.

Regulatory needs to make decisions as to “inactive ingredients that are impacting the formulations performance” (which sounds to me like the definition of an “Active Ingredient!!!!!”). 

Unfortunately this will likely not be done in a “harmonized” manner as you have noted.  The EU and the US tend to go their own ways on Sunscreen and Cosmetic Regulation, and for a while with the MoCRA initiative in the US it looked like we could have moved towards some harmonization, however the current administration is in the process of “doing something serious” at the FDA. 

I think a good place to start would be “action” in the local regulatory zones which is decisive and complete.  As an example – ISO is working towards new international standards for hybrid in vivo/in vitro SPF results.  This would be a huge boon for consumer safety and testing ethics as participants would be receiving 95% or more of a reduction in delivered radiation during the efficacy/performance tests.  

 

In your opinion, what disruptive trends or technology in efficacy will render today’s methodology obsolete five or ten years down the line? 

I just mentioned the “Hybrid SPF Testing” element, which is fully known as Hybrid Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy or HDRS.  Without getting into the deep science, this method will allow a much faster and safer SPF evaluation that doesn’t require directly sunburning the participants.  

This method is going to absolutely revolutionise clinical testing and claims, as for the first time it directly combines both in vivo UVB considerations as well as combining the reflectance technique which will provide insights that can’t be recognized through changes of the skin alone.  

This new method could* lead to the harmonization that you alluded to in question 3 – if we can get a formal, adopted, and approved method through ISO and FDA it will revolutionise the industry, making these tests faster and more efficient.  It will take away a lot of the variables that make the current test models so difficult, as there is no longer going to be a “subjective” assessment of the redness in the skin.  

Sunscreen testing will be utterly revolutionised – and it will actually become a much easier test to implement.  This will open up the competition and allow more players to compete in a healthy manner within the extremely niche claims and efficacy space, and it will also allow brands to conduct more of their own internal preliminary pilot research.

Can you share a secret about cosmetic testing very few people know?

Suncreen testing involves actively dosing people with UV radiation to a point where you illicit a redness response on the skin of the back.  Dumbing that down – it requires lightly sunburning 10 (and often more) people at a time.

These people also have to have a fair complexion, so sunscreen testing in upon itself is often only done on light skinned individuals.  If you see a product with an SPF that says it was “tested on all skintypes” it is definitely not talking about Fitzpatrick types, at least as far as the direct SPF efficacy is concerned.

A related one based on the above – “tested on all skintypes” OR “suitable for all skintypes” can actually mean 2 very different things.  It can mean that a product is tested on all of the Fitzpatrick skintypes, with Skintype I being the lightest and Skintype VI being the darkest, but it can also mean it is tested on a population where at least some of the individuals identify as “oily, dry, and/or combination skin.” 

 

This is a very common claim, and it’s  just about impossible to determine what categorization of “skin types” that the brand is referring to regarding the specific product data without having the test results in hand.

About our Interviewee: Brian Ecclefield, Founder, Validated Claim Support

Brian has spent the last 17 years custom developing in vivo clinical studies to help international brands build their personal care and cosmetic product portfolios. 

In 2018, he founded Validated Claim Support in the Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance (TICC) space as an alternative to the “CRO Status Quo,” offering an ethical, transparent, and technologically secured solution for the modern Personal Care manufacturer.

Brian is heavily involved with consumer education and protection as it pertains to product label claims.  He has helped poke holes in misguided marketing language as an Expert Witness for cosmetic ingredients. 

By ensuring that end users gain a better understanding about what cosmetic and personal care claims actually mean and the value of doing studies the right way, Brian hopes to help make skincare clinical testing more transparent and CROs more accountable – leaving the industry a safer place for everyone.

Validated specializes in 4 main types of clinical testing to support claims:

• Expert Objective Clinical Grading
• Subjective User Perception
• Biophysical Instrumentation
• Clinical Before and After Photography

Onto the product/service we provide:

Validated Claim Support is a Skincare Clinical Testing Laboratory that conducts in-vivo (consumer/human) studies to determine how well products work.  We are decidedly “clinically” focused – we don’t do stand alone at home consumer perception studies, and our expertise is measurable endpoints – think clinical studies where participants, not @ home user consumer perception.

We conduct Expert Grading of visible changes in the skin and hair, biophysical instrumentation for things like hydration via electroconductivity, skin firmness and elasticity, surface sebum content, skin colour, skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles, and a wide range of other endpoint as well.

We test skincare, medical devices, OTC level ingredients, and a wide range of cosmetics (we also get into nutraceuticals but that’s less directly relevant). We’re FDA Registered and Inspected, and we ran over 70 completely custom clinical studies last year – many of which were for brands who you’ve already hosted. 

I founded VCS in 2018 as an “Alternative to the CRO (Clinical Research Organization) Status Quo” after having left two different laboratories over what I’ll call “unreconcilable ethical differences,” which proved to be extremely well founded. 

The owners of both companies have been in international news for fraud, and from my perspective, there is a very good reason.  I can tell you this, with 100% certainty. . . Skincare claims data that looks too good to be true is most definitely too good to be true!  That’s not to say that there aren’t highly effective products out there, but nothing is 100% effective 100% of the time.  This is a whole exciting topic in upon itself, and I’d be happy to chat more about it at a later time. 

Find out more about Validated Claim Support here

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How does Catalynt align with the growing demand for sun protection and skincare innovation?

Catalynt supports personal care and cosmetics innovation by offering chemistries that help formulators meet performance, sensory, and regulatory demands.

From globally approved UV filters and multifunctional esters to preservatives, emulsifiers, and stabilizers, we provide the building blocks that enhance efficacy and elevate user experience.

As a woman-owned company with deep personal care expertise, we help brands stay agile and ahead by delivering quality ingredients, market intelligence, and nimble solutions that keep pace with consumer expectations for safety, sustainability, and skin health.

How are you addressing global chain instability and supply chain risks?

In a volatile world, Catalynt stands out for its proactive and transparent sourcing model. We maintain strategic relationships with vetted global producers and offer US-based stocking, custom blending, repackaging, and QC services to localize supply and reduce risk.

Our agile logistics team actively monitors tariffs, trade flows, and inventory positions, so customers can count on continuity. Whether managing REACH restrictions or port disruptions, we partner closely with personal care brands to anticipate challenges and create flexible pathways forward. Our goal is to help customers build resilience while navigating uncertainty.

What role does Catalynt play in the trend toward formulation flexibility and customization?

Catalynt enables flexibility by offering a curated portfolio of esters, emollients, thickeners, UV actives, and multifunctionals, along with secondary and tertiary sources already vetted and approved in collaboration with customer labs.

We provide rapid access to samples, technical data, and compliance documents to accelerate development timelines. For brands seeking differentiation, we also support custom blending and sourcing to meet unique performance or regulatory goals.

Our hands-on approach helps formulators bring innovative, inclusive products to market faster, with greater control and confidence.

Find out more about Catalynt here

About our Interviewee: Jennifer A.Calvery, Vice President of Marketing & Business Development, Catalynt

In her role, Jennifer unifies sales, business development, compliance, and tech by blending creativity with process thinking. As Director of Marketing & Business Development,  she crafts strategy, manages the brand, and drives growth through cross-functional collaboration, campaigns, and execution.

More about Jennifer A. Calvery

The beauty industry gathered in full force at in-cosmetics Global 2025, the world’s leading event for cosmetic ingredient innovation.

Held in Amsterdam, this year’s show buzzed with breakthroughs in sustainability, biotechnology, and personalized beauty solutions. As the official partners of in-cosmetics, the Covalo team walked the show with a sharp eye for what’s trending now and what’s to come. Covalo’s platform brings the best highlights of the event to your fingertips, year-round!

In this article, we reveal the top beauty and skincare trends Covalo observed, supported by their own Covalo exclusive data. Whether you’re a product developer, brand strategist, or simply a beauty trend enthusiast, here’s what you need to know to stay ahead in 2025 and beyond.

Trend #1 – Exosomes Take Center Stage in Innovation

Among all the innovations showcased at in-cosmetics Global 2025, one ingredient stood out as the undisputed frontrunner: exosomes.

These tiny, cell-derived vesicles – long studied in medical and regenerative sciences – have now fully entered the cosmetics mainstream, promising powerful benefits in skin rejuvenation, barrier repair, and cellular communication. From improving skin texture to enhancing wound healing and inflammation control, exosomes are poised to become the next-generation active in high-performance skincare. This adaptability makes exosomes a perfect match for targeted skincare claims aligned with current consumer demands.

The show floor was buzzing with activity around exosome-based ingredients. Covalo counted a variety of suppliers showcasing their versions, ranging from plant-derived (Carrot Stem-Exosome or PhytoCellTec Exosomes) and probiotic-based exosomes (PROBIOTIC-DERIVED EXOSOME SERIES), to those sourced from animal stem-cells (Milk-Exosome). This surge reflects both the promise and complexity of the category.

However, the buzz hasn’t come without controversy. Some attendees and formulators raised concerns about the ethical and regulatory implications of exosomes derived from animal tissues. Transparency in sourcing and manufacturing processes will be key to gaining consumer trust, and it is expected that this will be a point of differentiation as the market matures.

Covalo’s data confirms the scale of interest:

● Exosomes is currently the #1 most-searched term on their platform with almost twice more search volume than any other keyword. In fact, the search for exosome-related ingredients in 2025 is already four times higher than the entirety of 2024.

In short, exosomes are no longer niche. They’re quickly becoming a must-watch, multi-functional active ingredient at the forefront of next-gen cosmetic formulations.

Trend #2 – Dermocosmetics: Where Medicine Meets Beauty Products

Dermocosmetics, once limited to pharmacy shelves, are now front and centre in mainstream beauty. Consumers are increasingly treating their skincare routines like health regimens, prioritizing products that are effective, safe, non-irritating, and backed by dermatological science.

What makes dermocosmetics particularly appealing is their ability to deliver targeted solutions, while reinforcing overall skin health. For today’s conscious and knowledgeable consumer, that’s no longer optional, it’s essential. In response, brands are moving beyond aggressive spot treatments and embracing multi-targeted, barrier-friendly solutions. At the show, this translated into a wave of innovations combining clinical efficacy with microbiome-conscious design, a natural progression of both trends. Multifunctional ingredients like niacinamide, zinc, and azelaic acid derivatives, are among the most popular for different formulations.

The microbiome, once a buzzword, is now a pillar in modern skin health formulation. For example, acne-prone skin is increasingly understood not just as inflamed or oily but as an imbalance. This shift is especially evident in the anti-acne space, which has become the fastest-growing performance claims on Covalo in the last couple of months. Marketing claims like “microbiome-friendly”, “non-comedogenic”, and “clinically tested on acne-prone skin” are gaining traction with consumers seeking not just fast results, but holistic, skin-supported care.

As dermocosmetic innovation evolves, we expect to see more crossover between pharmaceutical-grade actives and consumer-friendly textures and claims. By aligning with microbiome science, it’s proving real anti-acne efficacy (and other dermatological concerns) doesn’t have to come at the cost of skin harmony.

Trend #3 – Longevity as the New Frontier of Functional Skincare

While anti-ageing has long been a mainstay in beauty, in-cosmetics Global 2025 made one thing clear – the narrative is shifting from reversing age to supporting longevity. This new paradigm is about sustaining the skin’s (and body’s) natural vitality, through science-backed, proactive care that emphasizes strength, resilience, and daily recovery.

Covalo’s data shows a clear and growing interest in this space. Terms like “muscle” are now among the top search terms, highlighting the convergence of skincare, body care, and performance wellness. Brands are beginning to blur the line between cosmetic and functional body and skincare, especially in categories like active ageing and femcare.

Another strong signal from Covalo’s data is the rapid rise in “night” as a search term, often connected to ingredients like bakuchiol, retinal, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. This reflects a growing awareness of consumers’ desires of overnight skin recovery as a key to long-term skin health.

The night routine has become a strategic time for renewal, especially as brands and consumers lean into ingredients that support cell turnover, hydration, and antioxidant defence while the skin is in repair mode. Longevity in beauty is about optimizing skin performance and resilience over time, supporting its natural functions rather than masking signs of ageing. It taps into the wellness mindset that’s driving growth across all self-care sectors.

A New Era of Cosmetic Innovation

From the rise of exosomes and dermocosmetics to the growing focus on longevity, in-cosmetics Global 2025 made one thing clear – the future of beauty is data-driven, health-focused, and deeply personalized. Exosomes, dermocosmetics, and longevity are the big trends of 2025 and it looks like they are not going anywhere anytime soon.

Covalo’s insights echo what we saw on the ground; brands are responding to consumers that are seeking performance, transparency, and solutions that go beyond the surface. As innovation continues to push boundaries, brands that align science with meaningful care will lead the next wave of transformation in skincare and wellness.

Exploring the latest global trends is easy on Covalo – discover awarded ingredients or 2025 ingredient launches!

Don’t have an account yet? Sign up for FREE to directly access thousands of technical documents and request samples in 2 clicks.

Feeling inspired?

Then why not visit one of the in-cosmetics events around the world?

BROWSE SHOWSThe post Innovation meets intentional beauty first appeared on in-cosmetics Connect.]]> https://connect.in-cosmetics.com/trends-en/innovation-meets-intentional-beauty/feed/ 0 23264 https://connect.in-cosmetics.com/news-category/in-cosmetics-global-2025-post-show-review/ https://connect.in-cosmetics.com/news-category/in-cosmetics-global-2025-post-show-review/#respond Fri, 02 May 2025 12:48:51 +0000 https://connect.in-cosmetics.com/?p=23165 2 MAY, AMSTERDAM:  in-cosmetics Global closed its doors on what proved to be its most international edition to date, achieving an 84% global audience and recording a 16% increase in international visitors, underscoring the event’s growing worldwide appeal. The show brought together the personal care industry in Amsterdam for an unforgettable edition, welcoming 10,879 unique […]

Men in South Korea spend more on skincare per person than men anywhere else in the world.*

Male skincare in South Korea

South Korea is the world’s 10^th largest beauty market*, whilst men in South Korea spend more on skincare per person than their peers anywhere else in the world**. Driven by cultural norms and societal expectations, the segment is also boosted by the phenomenal marketing creativity of Korean brands.

Let’s find out more…

Culture and society

Confucian values associate a well-groomed appearance with professionalism but also success and respect. In South Korea, men’s skincare is normalised and men are indeed encouraged to adopt comprehensive skincare routines from hydration to gentle exfoliation and double cleansing.

With the influence of K-pop idols, actors, as well as influencers, projecting a flawless, youthful aesthetic male skincare is a must. Celebrities in South Korea, from Song Hye Kyo, a notable ambassador for Laneige and Sulwhasoo and Park Seo Joon, who is known for promoting brands like TIRTIR regularly endorse skincare and makeup products, making it socially acceptable for men.

Market and Industry Innovations

As a global leader in the skincare industry, South Korea is known for its advanced research and development and continuously innovates with progressive formulations, multi-functional products, and high-performance ingredients tailored to diverse skin concerns. According to Euromonitor International, the top five skincare concerns for men in South Korea are blemishes/ acne prone, followed by wrinkles, fine lines, acne pits and finally, blackheads.

From oil-controlling moisturizers to brightening serums, and lightweight sunscreens that suit male skin, which is generally thicker and more prone to excess sebum production, brands in Korea cater specifically to men by offering gender-targeted solutions.

The plethora of specialized products, combined with powerful marketing campaigns has powered sales of skincare among South Korean men. In fact, as the world’s foremost consumers per-capita of skincare products, Korean men spend four times more than Denmark, which is in second-place, according to Euromonitor International.

A daily skincare routine

Around the world, male skincare routines are often minimal. But in South Korea, men typically follow multi-step regimens. The routine incorporates cleansers, toners, serums, essences, moisturizers, and sunscreens. Sheet masks and anti-ageing treatments are also in regular use. Interestingly, these routines are instilled from a young age, which means that skincare is perceived as a necessary part of daily life rather than an occasional luxury.

The impact of technology and retail experience

E-commerce as well as tech-driven beauty solutions have also played a major part in Korean men’s increased spending on skincare. From AI-driven skin analysis to personalized skincare recommendations, and virtual consultations, men are offered tailored solutions for their skin concerns. Plus, South Korea’s vibrant retail environment enhances the skincare shopping experience. From immersive store layouts to free samples, and in-store skin assessments, skincare is both engaging and accessible to all.

Conclusion

Driven by necessity, K-beauty’s societal impact and aspiration, South Korea has successfully integrated skincare into daily life for men. For personal care creators, this market provides   invaluable insights into new product development, unique marketing strategies but also the future of male skincare across the world.

*Source: Euromonitor International
**Source: The BBC

To discover more about the Korean market and its opportunities, visit in-cosmetics Korea in Seoul on 2-4 July 2025.

Despite its abundance of local herbs, Thailand imports 90% of its personal care ingredients.*

Thailand’s heavy reliance on imported personal care ingredients

According to Science Direct, despite its rich biodiversity and abundance of local herbs, Thailand imports approximately 90% of its personal care ingredients. But why? From the country’s reliance on beauty and personal care regulations, technological limitations, consumer choices  and supply chain challenges, understanding these factors is crucial.

Let’s find out more…

Processing and refinement challenges

While Thailand is home to a vast array of medicinal and aromatic plants such as lemongrass, turmeric, pandan, and tamarind, it lacks the advanced infrastructure required to process these ingredients into high-quality cosmetic-grade extracts.

As a rule, global cosmetic formulations often demand standardized active ingredients with exact concentrations, purity, and stability, in many cases requirements that prove a challenge for Thailand’s raw ingredient processing industry.

With the trend for savvy consumers keen on science-backed beauty, the majority of multinational cosmetic brands expect to be supplied with highly refined and laboratory-tested ingredients that meet strict safety and efficacy standards.

Since Thailand’s extraction and refinement technology is not as sophisticated as that of leading Western nations like France, Germany or Switzerland and the likes of Japan, it is often more practical for manufacturers in Thailand to import ingredients that are already tested, certified, and formulation-ready.

Regulations and certification challenges

While Thailand has a flourishing herbal and natural beauty sector, many domestic ingredients lack the necessary international certifications necessary for large-scale use in premium cosmetic products.

For example, ECOCERT (for organic cosmetics) or COSMOS (for natural and organic personal care) require stringent documentation and testing. As many Thai suppliers struggle to meet these requirements, sourcing and importing certified ingredients rather than investing in developing a local supply chain proves more cost-effective for Thai brands to meet global standards.

Consumer choices and market needs

Traditionally, Thai consumers, especially those in the premium beauty segment, tend to associate imported ingredients from the West and Japan in particular, with higher expertise, quality and effectiveness. As a result, local consumers favour beauty products formulated with actives that have been sourced overseas such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and retinol.

Even within Thailand’s blooming natural beauty sector, brands feel that they often need to highlight exotic botanicals that have been imported, such as Swiss edelweiss or Moroccan argan oil rather than locally available herbs. This preference further drives demand for  ingredients from overseas, even when local alternatives exist.

Supply chain and costs

The Thai beauty market is vibrant and very competitive, which means that local brands must balance cost-effectiveness with product performance. Sourcing ingredients locally saves costs but the lack of large-scale production facilities and extensive testing make it a challenge for manufacturers. Imported ingredients often come with established supplier reliability, quality assurance, and scalability, all of which are key factors for brands looking to produce high-performance cosmetics.

Conclusion

While Thailand boasts a wealth of natural resources, the industry’s demand for high-quality, standardized, and globally recognized personal care ingredients continues to push high import rates. For overseas personal care ingredient suppliers, this represents a significant opportunity to expand in the region.

*Source: www.sciencedirect.com

To discover more about the Thai and Asia Pacific market and its opportunities, visit in-cosmetics Asia in Bangkok on 4-6 November 2025.

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Catalynt is proudly certified as a woman-owned supplier—But what does that mean for the industry?

Catalynt Solutions is more than just a certified woman-owned supplier; it is a driving force in shaping the chemical industry through leadership, innovation, and advocacy. Megan Gluth’s role in the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) is a testament to this commitment, as she actively helps businesses navigate the increasing complexity and challenges of the industry.

Catalynt’s leadership is exemplified by Megan’s historic position as the first woman on the ACD board, paving the way for greater diversity in industry governance. The company drives innovation by challenging the status quo and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and transparency. Additionally, Meg is engaged in regulatory advocacy, lobbying for pro-business policies that foster growth and stability in the sector.

Leveraging its expertise in regulatory advocacy and active role in industry policy discussions, Catalynt has guided manufacturers through compliance hurdles by providing updated regulatory insights on restricted ingredients, recommending compliant alternatives, and facilitating supplier relationships to ensure long-term regulatory alignment.

As a result, manufacturers have successfully met compliance deadlines and avoided potential financial losses. Beyond regulatory guidance, Catalynt delivers tangible value to both customers and suppliers, offering high-quality ingredients, strategic market insights, and solutions that address evolving industry needs.

What sets Catalynt apart as a global supplier and manufacturer?

Catalynt operates at the intersection of distribution, sourcing, and manufacturing, combining global reach with localized expertise to navigate today’s increasingly complex supply chains. Here’s what distinguishes the company:

Multi-Region Sourcing Capabilities – With an extensive global supplier network, Catalynt ensures ingredient availability even when traditional supply routes face disruptions, mitigating risks for customers.

Regulatory Mastery – Whether navigating EU REACH, U.S. FDA regulations, or Asia-Pacific compliance standards, Catalynt provides fully vetted, compliant ingredients, ensuring seamless market entry.

Agility & Responsiveness – Catalynt quickly adapts to supply chain disruptions and regulatory changes, offering flexible, real-time solutions to meet customer demands.

By integrating these capabilities, Catalynt delivers a competitive edge to customers, ensuring reliability in an unpredictable marketplace. As an example, when manufacturing customers recently faced an ingredient shortage of a key ingredient used to stabilize their product, Catalynt provided alternative supply options that met both performance and regulatory requirements – as a result, the manufacturers avoided production delays, maintained consistent product availability, and strengthened their resistance to future disruptions.

How does Catalynt secure hard-to-source products and quality alternatives?

Catalynt’s strength lies in proactively identifying supply chain vulnerabilities and securing alternative solutions ahead of industry shortages.

One notable example is: Preservative Systems That Anticipate Regulatory Shifts.

1. Challenge: The EU’s scrutiny on phenoxyethanol meant many brands were caught off-guard, needing urgent preservative alternatives.
2. Solution: Catalynt partnered with suppliers offering multi-functional botanical extracts with antimicrobial properties, reducing the need for traditional preservatives.
3. Impact: Customers secured long-term stability in their formulations while aligning with consumer demand for “clean” beauty.

What are the emerging trends shaping the market in 2025 and beyond?

The personal care industry continues its evolution, driven by sustainability initiatives, regulatory tightening, and technological advancements. Based on Catalynt’s market intelligence, here are the most pressing trends:

(a) Regulations and technology
• The personal care industry must adapt to regulatory tightening, which continues to drive new technological innovations.
• Catalynt’s role: We are engaging directly with cosmetic chemists to support new product development by providing samples and documentation.

(b) Supply chain disruptions & regionalization
• Data Insight: According to the WTO, global chemical supply chains have experienced a 12% increase in lead times due to geopolitical instability and logistics bottlenecks.
• Industry Shift: Companies are shifting toward nearshoring and regional suppliers to reduce risks.
• Catalynt’s Role: We are proactively diversifying supply options to prevent disruptions before they happen.

(c) Sustainability & ethical sourcing
• Rising Demand for Carbon-Neutral Ingredients – Brands are moving toward biodegradable raw materials and requiring full carbon footprint transparency from suppliers.
• Ethical Palm Oil & Biotech Solutions – RSPO-certified ingredients are in higher demand, while biotech-derived actives (e.g., fermented ceramides, lab-grown collagen) are gaining traction.
• Catalynt’s Response: We are prioritizing partnerships with suppliers that provide verified ethical sourcing and carbon-neutral manufacturing.

Find out more about Catalynt here

About our Interviewee: Chris Karber, Vice President of Sales, Catalynt

As Vice President of Sales, Chris’s role is to lead and empower Catalynt’s national sales team by providing them with the tools, strategy, and support needed to drive growth. Chris focuses on optimizing sales processes, strengthening customer relationships, and ensuring that his team is equipped to deliver exceptional value to customers and suppliers.
More about Chris Karber.

An acclaimed expert panel narrowed down standout entries competing for awards across eight categories. Winners were selected for categories including the Kenvue Trusted Science Award, the Innovation Zone Best Active and Functional Ingredient Awards, the Green Ingredient Award, the Rising Star Award, the Make-Up Bar Award, the Sensory Bar Award and the Sustainable Stand Award.

Innovation Zone Best Ingredient Awards

In the Functional Ingredients category, Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant took home the Gold for Pickmulse, a natural emulsifier that redefines the sensory experience.

Galaxy Surfactants Ltd. was awarded Silver for its Galguard®Prebiotive, which is a 100% green antimicrobial preservative derived from bio-renewable sources.

The Bronze award was presented to WHITE TIGER GROUND LLC for WTGPhLA Kimchi Filtrate Organic Preservative, an effective anti-microbial and sanitising ingredient.

Presented with Gold for the Innovation Zone Best Ingredient in the Active Ingredients category was Solabia Group for PRO-LONGEVIA®. The R&D team have been commended for its use of green biotechnology coupled with strong scientific support.

Raw materials manufacturer, Vytrus Biotech took the Silver Award for Clarivine with Fasting for skin longevity, an innovative 100% natural active ingredient designed to enhance skin cellular longevity and activate the skin’s regeneration processes.

Whilst Mibelle Biochemistry achieved Bronze for PhytoCellTec Exosomes, which increases exosome production by mesenchymal stem cells inside the skin.

Green Ingredient Award

The Green Ingredient Award, in collaboration with Ecovia Intelligence, honours ingredients that have a meaningful environmental or social impact. Taking the title for this year’s Gold accolade was Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant for Pickmulse.

Also recognised in this year’s Green Ingredient Award was AAK which won Silver for LIPEX® SheaLuxe TR, a naturally derived, eco-friendly liquid shea emollient. Meanwhile, Melicica by Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant, also took home the Bronze Award for its holistic approach to optimising the skin’s natural repair process.

Kenvue Trusted Science Award

The Kenvue Trusted Science Award recognises innovative and effective modern ingredients that consumers can rely on for their daily care. This evening, Croda took the title for Luceane, this award-winning ingredient slows down the ageing process by five years after just one month of application, resulting in a reduction of skin fatigue signs and radiance improvement.

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award celebrates first-year exhibitors, highlighting their advanced products and ingredients while acknowledging their solution-driven approaches. This year saw Evolved by Nature awarded for its impressive presence at the show. Evolved by Nature is a life sciences company that creates high-performing, sustainable ingredients for skincare and beauty through biotechnology.

Make-Up Bar and Sensory Bar Award

The Sensory Bar Award and the Make-up Bar Award winners were both decided live this evening. These accolades spotlight the next generation of colour cosmetics, innovative technologies and developments in sensory, texture and fragrance.

In the Make-up Bar Award, PolymerExpert, part of Solabia Group took the top title for its OleoShine® Green – The Future of Natural Radiance, which offers ultra-radiant shine and optimised adhesion. DAITO KASEI EUROPE took Silver for Long-lasting, natural, & transformative beauty, whilst JRS took Bronze for its Pearlescent serum tablets for reconstitution.

In the Sensory Bar Award category, cosmetic product manufacturer Azelis Group NV was awarded Gold for its innovative Sensory Boost. Chemyunion a raw materials manufacturer which integrates nature and science, took Silver for its Be Your Beauty innovation. Bronze was awarded to Givaudan Active Beauty and its S3D® Reverso – The youth renewal complex.

Sustainable Stand Award

The Sustainable Stand Award acknowledges exhibitors who have actively implemented eco-conscious measures when designing and building their stands. This was judged by an illustrious panel of sustainability experts and the accolade was awarded to Laboratoires Expanscience for its sustainability creditentials and efforts to minimise carbon emissions.

Roziani Zulkifli, Event Director of in-cosmetics Global, said: “This year’s award entries have highlighted an incredible commitment to advancing cosmetic science. We are extremely proud to celebrate these innovators first-hand and acknowledge their achievements in each category. Our acclaimed judges were impressed by the remarkable amount and quality of entries this year.

“We extend our gratitude to our sponsor, Kenvue, for its support, and to everyone who joined us this year to celebrate, and to all entrants. But most importantly, congratulations to all of our 2025 winners – your contribution to cosmetic science is not unnoticed, and we look forward to seeing your innovations make an impact across the industry in the years to come.”

To see the full list of winners, please visit our website https://www.in-cosmetics.com/global/en-gb/whats-on/awards.htmlThe post Tulips and triumphs: in-cosmetics Global 2025 award winners revealed first appeared on in-cosmetics Connect.]]> https://connect.in-cosmetics.com/news-category/in-cosmetics-global-2025-award-winners-revealed/feed/ 0 23149 https://connect.in-cosmetics.com/articles/didyouknowglobal/ https://connect.in-cosmetics.com/articles/didyouknowglobal/#respond Thu, 03 Apr 2025 07:37:48 +0000 https://connect.in-cosmetics.com/?p=23069 On average, the cosmetics industry in Europe spends 5% of its annual turnover on R&D.* Cosmetic R&D Investment in Europe As a global leader in innovation, the European cosmetics industry invests approximately 5% of its annual turnover into R&D. This significant financial commitment is due to several key factors, from regulatory compliance to consumer demand […]