in-cosmetics North America will offer cosmetic chemists, marketers and R&D professionals a unique opportunity to identify emerging trends before they arise, ensuring they are ahead of the curve when it comes to new product development.
 

Running at the Javits Center from 17-18 October 2018, the event’s Marketing Trends sessions will be delivered by world-leading trend forecasters and consultancies, each providing the latest personal care industry insights, facts, figures and market research.
 

‘Clean beauty’ is a concept that’s gaining traction in the cosmetics world as more consumers demand products with easy-to-understand ingredient labels that demonstrate they are free from toxins.
 

However, this demand has led to cases of disingenuous ‘green-washing’, where words such as “organic”, “natural” and “eco” are used to imply that products – often carrying a premium price – are safe from harmful ingredients. The lack of industry regulation means these labels are sometimes guilty of clever marketing, rather than an honest reflection of a product’s unique selling points.
 

This ambiguity may lead brands to focus on customer safety and avoid any ingredients linked to harmful effects, such as carcinogens or those that are thought to disrupt hormone levels. David Tyrell, Global Skincare Analyst at Mintel, will highlight the rising influence of clean beauty and provide invaluable insights for both mass and prestige brands to innovate to fit a range of budgets.
 

The area of regulation is constantly changing and – with suppliers from all over the world coming together at the Javits Center to make business connections – it is imperative that they understand how regulation differs between countries. Jay Ansell, PhD, Vice President of Cosmetics Programs at the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), an association partner to in-cosmetics North America, will address this key concern with a presentation on ‘international standards: ISO and cosmetics.’ He will review the history of ISO and the standard writing process, as well as highlighting a number of key standards explicitly or implicitly referenced by regulatory authorities to help visitors stay on top of changing regulations.
 

Based in Washington D.C., PCPC is the leading national trade association representing global cosmetics and personal care products companies. Founded in 1894, PCPC’s approximately 600 member companies manufacture, distribute, and supply the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the U.S., making it perfectly placed to offer guidance on all-important industry regulations.
 

The promotion of healthy skin is a hot topic in the global skincare industry with increasing exploration into the skin’s microbiome. However, utilising this research is limited, and there are still a number of gaps in understanding its application, such as the selection of appropriate controls in studies and sampling methods.
 

The show will host a dedicated panel session, moderated by skincare expert Nava Dayan Ph.D, to debate skin microbiome alongside fellow experts from Clorox, Amway Corporation and Medler Ferro Woodhouse & Mills. The session will deliver insights into the latest research and developments to help formulators better understand how to use skin microbiome innovations in new product development.
 

This year’s in-cosmetics North America will also include an in-depth focus on Asian exhibitors, tapping into one of the world’s most influential and innovative beauty markets.
 

Asian beauty products are renowned for their efficacy and quality, while Japan is home to one of the longest beauty traditions – a ‘Made in Japan’ label is often seen as a sign of a safe, high-quality product. J-Beauty brands focus on combining scientific research with traditional knowledge about materials and ingredients to create new and innovative products.
 

Despite being better-known, K-Beauty is only more popular among younger consumers, while J-Beauty continues to attract older customers who desire a simpler, more natural look, achieved by a less demanding beauty routine. Asian beauty guru, Florence Bernardin, Founder of Information et Inspiration, will focus on rediscovering J-Beauty, highlighting the key drivers for this trend.