How scientific breakthrough results from Innovation
The cosmetics industry employs a great variety of highly skilled scientists who constantly strive to find innovative ways to improve their company’s product range and meet as yet unsatisfied consumer desires. Experts come from many fields of science, including chemistry, biology, biochemistry, anatomy/ physiology, nanoscience, physics etc, and their discoveries are numerous.
Here are just a few examples:
- The inclusion of dihydroxy acetone (DHA) in self-tanning products was a breakthrough that makes formulations more stable and provides natural non-streaky coverage.
- In 2007 scientists discovered that use of cosmocil stearate (CS) in aerosols as well as alcohol reduces malodour on skin by allowing fewer bacteria over a longer time.
- Use of the go-gelant polymer in antiperspirants works inside the sweat gland with antiperspirant to provide a dual active system delivering excellent efficacy.
- An extract of turmeric is being investigated for a possible ability to improve skin radiance and tone.
- A newly developed gel with patented technology provides an alternative to silicone in the delivery of a desirable, silky feel.
- There are major developments in ingredients designed to inhibit the growth of invasive microbial organisms in personal care formulations.
- Micro-fine, spherical, silicone resin particles recreate the Hollywood soft focus image in real life by blurring lines in the skin. Soon, anyone who so desires will be able to have a complexion that glows like Rita Hayworth, Greta Garbo and Marilyn Monroe.
- Use of materials at a molecular scale (nanotechnology) promises a new generation of products, not only for cosmetics products such as sun creams but also medicines, electronics and telecoms.
Manufacturers are using traditional substances to create new formulations. An extract from the root of panax notoginseng is believed to have been used as a herbal medicine centuries ago in the Ming Dynasty. Now it is being adapted to help the skin’s natural defences.
Scientists are investigating the unique properties of plant extracts. One such extract, from safflower, looks promising as a renewable base for moisturisers, body lotions, hand and body washes and sunscreens. In common with many developments sensitive to the environment, this uses far less energy to produce.