Editorials

Get an overview by SpecialChem experts on the latest "Industry Discussions" with our Hot-Topics!

Apr 16, 2008 - Active Ingredients in the Skin Care Market – Part 3 by Nick Morante

Nick MoranteHyaluronic acid and its well-known salt sodium hyaluronate have been used in cosmetics and personal care products for a number of decades now. But it is also available as zinc and calcium salts depending on the solubility of the particular system it is being used in. And it looks like its popularity will not be diminishing any time soon...
Mar 13, 2008 - Homemade Cosmetics by Nick Morante

Nick MoranteMy objective isn’t to gear my articles towards the general consumer but I wanted to make all the formulators out there aware of the fact that they have some competition. In my readings I’ve noticed some (really quite a number of dozens) websites that allow people to formulate their own cosmetics at home...
Jan 17, 2008 - Mineral make-up: the natural alternative by Imogen Matthews

Imogen MatthewsMineral make-up is not a new trend, but it has received a fresh make-over and new natural positioning. Previously, mineral make-up was a niche category, with lesser-known brands sold outside the main retail arena...
Aug 3, 2007 - Ingredients with Bad Press - PHTHALATES by Nick Morante

Almost any ingredient used in the cosmetics industry today can be found to have something hazardous about it. You will find many websites on the Internet listing all the "dangerous" chemicals used in cosmetics. Many are unsubstantiated while other are just downright hilarious. But there will always be someone looking for their 15 minutes of fame and placing information on a computer for people to see and think is for real...
Jul 20, 2007 - Trends – What Colors Loom on the Horizon ? by Nick Morante

The current fiscal year will be ending in a few days so I just happened to take note of my client list and the shades I have been producing for these clients this spring for their summer launches. Many of the shades turned out to be in the metallic bronze family..
Jul 6, 2007 - Makeup Trends Verified by Nick Morante

In all of my travels and searches for the latest trends in makeup and color cosmetics, I am at the same time looking for verification whether what I find and write about is really current and accurate...
Jun 14, 2007 - Color Delivery by Nick Morante

So far during my tenure as contributing editor for SpecialChem, I have discussed many aspects of formulating decorative and color cosmetics. I have talked about emulsifiers, preservatives, fragrances, active ingredients, naturally derived ingredients, and probably the most important component, color additives
Jun 8, 2007 - Global Beauty Secrets Revealed by Nancy Jeffries

A wave of new products, tips and techniques has swept the international beauty community. Color palettes designed for all complexion tones, treatment products that target sensitive, oily, dry, delicate, uneven, and irritation-prone skin, and hair care styling and treatments for all hair types, are increasingly found on today's beauty shelves...
Jun 7, 2007 - Color Cosmetics and the Prestige Market by Nancy Jeffries

Quality and ingredient innovation are hallmarks of the premium sector for color cosmetics. According to Euromonitor, which tracks trends and statistics in this dynamic area, premium facial makeup sales in the US alone reached $1 billion 415 million, forecast to grow to $1 billion 449 million in 2011...
May 31, 2007 - Ways to Keep the Color Cosmetics Market Growing by Nick Morante

The color cosmetics market continues to grow but there are other reasons for this and not what one would expect...
May 17, 2007 - Trends in Cosmetic Packaging by Nick Morante

According to Cosmetic Packaging magazine, the top cosmetic manufacturers say that today’s cosmetic package must have a combination of attributes which contain portability, price and performance...
May 10, 2007 - Maureen Kelly and tarte, Inc. Profile by Nancy Jeffries

Maureen Kelly, Founder and CEO of tarte, Inc., is a woman of purpose. Having built a successful cosmetics business and launched an ongoing simultaneous philanthropic initiative, Kelly knows how to keep her focus on her company and maintain a good measure of social responsibility while doing it...
May 3, 2007 - Differences in Mascara Performance by Nick Morante

I am constantly being asked to render opinions on new products and trends that are coming on the market. These questions come mainly from beauty magazines (such as Allure and some others) for use in stories in their upcoming issues...
Apr 26, 2007 - What are Gel Nails? by Nick Morante

Nail Lacquers are specialty products that have come under some scrutiny in recent years. The main reason is that they contain phthalates, which under the California Safe Cosmetics Act passed in January are considered a health risk...
Apr 19, 2007 - Camouflage Makeup by Nick Morante

Camouflage Makeup is designed to be worn after cosmetic surgery to contour the skin to hide swelling, to conceal the lines resulting from bruises and incisions, and to color correct the skin because scar tissue is usually a different color than the surrounding healthier tissue...
Apr 12, 2007 - Growth of the Color Cosmetics Market by Nick Morante

The decorative and color cosmetics market continues to grow rapidly. In past articles I have discussed the trends in various market segments and briefly touched upon trends in the color and decorative market for the upcoming fashion season...
Apr 9, 2007 - FDA Concerns Regarding Cosmetic Ingredients - Part 12 by Nick Morante

In the continuation of this series, I feel is very important for people to know and understand some of the things that the United States Food and Drug Administration watches out for which could cause harm to the consumer...
Apr 5, 2007 - Makeup Tricks by Nick Morante

I read a lot of magazines to see if there are any new trends that I have to look out for. Sometimes I come across some articles that are just so appropriate for the times. In the past I have shared a few with you. I came across some interesting bits in a recent issue of Good Housekeeping...
Mar 26, 2007 - FDA Concerns Regarding Cosmetic Ingredients - Part 11 by Nick Morante

I want to continue on the subject of potential irritants and allergens on the skin. It is a serious subject that the Food and Drug Administration warns us about every day. Of the many ingredients used in cosmetics to fight the visible signs of aging, none see more use today that alpha hydroxy acids, or AHA's...
Mar 26, 2007 - Summer Makeup Tips by Nick Morante

Some people think they have to wear their favorite cosmetics and personal care products the year round. But seasonal changes can also affect the way our bodies and skin function...
Mar 22, 2007 - Color Trends for 2007 by Nick Morante

In an article I recently wrote I explained how market trends work. They are based on the fashion trends for the upcoming season. Fashion trends come and go, as do some cosmetic products. But shades are a little different...
Mar 12, 2007 - FDA Concerns Regarding Cosmetic Ingredients - Part 10 by Nick Morante

The Food and Drug Administration certainly does care about the consumer. They are not the type of regulatory agency that just wants to shut cosmetics manufacturers down. But if the FDA sees that some danger will come to the consumer, it is their responsibility to step in...
Mar 8, 2007 - Color Cosmetics for the Ethnic Market by Nick Morante

Although hair care products are firmly positioned as by far the largest market segment in the ethnic health and beauty aids industry, color cosmetics have emerged in recent years as the fastest growing area, according to those people involved in the business...
Feb 23, 2007 - Why Naturals? by Nick Morante

Naturals, naturals, naturals. That's all I (we) hear about. I hate to beat a dead horse but this subject will never go away. I started contributing technical articles and editorials for SpecialChem in August of 2006...
Feb 19, 2007 - Working with Contract Manufacturers by Nick Morante

As a consultant and contract formulator, it sometimes becomes necessary to work with contract or what are called third party manufacturers. If a client has their own production capabilities, you should be an advisor as to the procedure you used in the lab to make the product...
Feb 16, 2007 - FDA Concerns Regarding Cosmetic Ingredients - Part 9 by Nick Morante

In the continuation of this series, this article involves the use of cosmetic ingredients and the control the FDA has on the drug and cosmetics industry...
Feb 15, 2007 - How Do Market Trends Work? by Nick Morante

How far in advance can the cosmetics and personal care market predict trends for the forthcoming fashion seasons? The initial rollouts are based on the fashion shows in London, Paris and Milan. Milan, Italy is the European fashion center...
Feb 9, 2007 - More Regulations to Deal With by Nick Morante

Two brand new laws will be affecting our industry (as well as others) and the consumer. California's Proposition 65, the original anti-cancer law, has been around for a while. Now California has two more new laws for us to deal with...
Feb 5, 2007 - Understanding Color - Part 13 by Nick Morante

This is the continuation of formulation/correction using instrumentation. I knew you couldn’t wait for this one. When building different types of colorant files for formulation and correction, one must be aware of the different types of systems you are working with as well as the component used in those systems...
Jan 29, 2007 - Understanding Color - Part 12 by Nick Morante

As promised, this article will tell you a little bit about building colorant files to use for the formulation and correction of color cosmetic products using instrumentation...

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