This year, in-cosmetics Global took on the City of Lights. Here’s what you need to know about the 2019 event, held April 2-4 in Paris.
Diversity Was on Everyone’s Lips
Three round tables tackled inclusivity-related topics, including lifestyle choices (think halal or environmentally-friendly), skin types and colors, and LGBTQ+ identity. Industry leaders discussed the ways in which consumer choices are influencing product development. Additionally, after a successful inaugural outing, the show has decided to make Global Beauty Day a second day event every year.
There Was Something for Everyone
As the indie sector saw a 659% increase in retail volume since 2017, in-cosmetics Global’s Indie Trail helped connect the market’s developers with suppliers willing and able to provide smaller ingredient quantities to production up to 100 kg.
Led by technical consultant and cosmetic chemist Rouah Al-Wakeel, each tour was centered around a specific topic—Protection, Healthy Aging, and Preservation—and introduced formulators to stands relevant to their topic of choice.
An interactive area offering exclusive insight into the latest product developments, the Innovation Zone gave formulators the opportunity to demonstrate their products firsthand via Formulation Displays. The beauty and personal care team from Mintel was also on hand, hosting live demonstrations and giving visitors the chance to interact with and test finished products.
The Sustainability Corner featured 20 pods showcasing sustainable ingredients (or supply chain projects) with a positive impact on the environment. Focusing on the ways the industry has progressed on the issue, the area gave attendees the chance to better understand how businesses are changing their procedures to reduce their environmental impact and hear brands address major issues surrounding the topic.
The Make-Up Bar offered demonstrations of the latest formulations for eye, skin, nail and lips, while the Formulation Lab featured interactive sessions during which R&D professionals could learn more about designing successful formulations.
Formulators Rose to the Challenge
During the Formulation Challenge, the race was on as four cosmetics and contract manufacturers competed to create a shelf-ready sleeping product, backed by a credible marketing story, from a box of mystery ingredients—in 90 minutes.
The team from Nuxe took home the trophy, creating a trio of night treatments for scalp and hair, formulated for normal, greasy and dry scalps and aimed at millennial consumers.
Alpol Cosmetique and Hormeta also competed, as did defending champion Natur’Alps. Hormeta received runner-up with a Y.O.G.A Dreaming Therapy Elixir skincare treatment designed to balance sleep and happiness.
Guests Got Schooled
The free-to-attend education program included technical seminars, marketing trend presentations, workshops and live demonstrations, ranging from “Developing Certified Green Cosmetics” and “Developing EU Compliant Claims—Objectives and Updates” to “Personal care Ingredients: Blurring the Boundary Between Food and Beauty.”
Scent Had its Moment
The Fragrance Zone offered visitors the latest in scent and fragrance trends, featuring the Sensory Bar (where guests could try formulations, testing the feel, smell and taste of the products).
“It was fantastic to return to Paris this year and to welcome so many industry visitors,” said Roziania Zulkifli, exhibition manager. “The cosmetics industry is going through a period of unprecedented change as numerous factors influence how it develops – from embracing diversity in all its forms, to implementing sustainable practices and understanding consumer demand for ever-more effective products. in-cosmetics Global 2019 had it all and we’re delighted with the response we’ve received this year from show exhibitors and visitors alike.”