Beyond The Headlines: UK ruling on titanium dioxide-free toothpaste ads, NYX’s “duck lips” inspired Spring collection

24 Nov 2023 --- This week, UK advertising regulators upheld a ruling against ads promoting titanium dioxide-free toothpaste, on the basis of its safety claims against the whitening agent. NYX Professional Makeup revealed its Spring 2024 Collection, with active lip formulas by the plump “duck lips” internet phenomenon, while Lush dropped a limited-edition perfume version of its bestselling Super Milk conditioning spray.

Business activities and product launches
Lalique Group secured an exclusive global perfume licensing deal with Japanese jeweler Mikimoto. Running until 2035, this agreement empowers Lalique to craft and distribute a line of perfumes and crystal editions for Mikimoto, unveiling the first crystal edition in 2025 and the inaugural luxury perfume line by spring 2026. Harnessing Mikimoto’s brand awareness in Asia and other key markets, the fragrances will be marketed through Lalique Group’s global network. Founded by Kokichi Mikimoto in 1893, Mikimoto’s history of pearl jewelry creation draws inspiration from the sea.

Duck Plump Extreme Sensation Pumping Gloss by NYX Professional Makeup (Image credit: NYX Professional Makeup).NYX Professional Makeup unveiled its Spring 2024 Collection, showcasing lip and color innovations such as the Duck Plump Extreme Sensation Plumping Gloss and a partnership with Snapchat for the “Beauty Bestie” virtual makeup experience. The plumping gloss, available in 18 shades, promises instant and lasting effects thanks to spicy ginger oil, albeit with a humorous caution about potential “duck lips.” This launch is accompanied by immersive digital experiences and a unique AR-powered makeup try-on tool, aiming to bring professional makeup artistry into users’ hands. The collection also introduces new vegan lip products, vivid eye pencils and correcting concealers.

Lush debuted a limited-edition perfume version of its internet “viral” Super Milk conditioning spray. The fragrance is part of the “Lush X Community” drop, featuring new perfumes and body sprays suggested and voted for by dedicated Lush consumers on Reddit and Discord channels. This collection marks the first-time launch of popular Lush product scents as fragrances, with some scents rediscovered from the brand’s archives. The Super Milk perfume, among other fragrances, is described as a “citrusy, caramel treat” that is sweet and zesty.

US-based personal care brand Botanic Hearth launched in India with its range of face care, body care and hair care products. Based on active botanicals, Botanic Hearth items are formulated without additives like sulfates and parabens, while being cruelty-free. Ananth Narayanan, founder and chief executive officer of parent company Mensa Brands, notes that in five years, Botanic Hearth has managed to ramp up its online sales in the US considerably.

Regulatory developments
The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld a ruling against toothpaste advertisements making misleading claims about being free from titanium dioxide, suggesting potential harm to consumers using titanium dioxide-containing toothpaste. ASA found that the ads misled consumers into believing titanium dioxide was widely used in competitor toothpastes and was potentially carcinogenic. The evidence cited, including an EFSA Opinion and a literature review, was deemed inadequate to support these claims, lacking substantial proof of titanium dioxide’s risks in toothpaste. ASA concluded the adverts were misleading and prohibited their reappearance in the same context. In response, CTPA applauded ASA’s scientific scrutiny, highlighting the importance of titanium dioxide in oral health and cosmetics without posing significant risks, stressing the need to avoid discouraging its use based on unsubstantiated claims.

Lush is releasing fragrance versions of their bestselling products (Image credit: Lush).Societal engagement
Hygiene and health company Essity joined the European research project Sustronics, aiming to develop circular sensor-based solutions for self and professional care. Collaborating with companies and universities across 11 countries, Essity’s focus within this initiative includes pioneering reusable sensors in incontinence products to monitor temperature, humidity and enzymes, enhancing health care quality while preventing skin problems. Another endeavor involves creating smart wound dressings with sensors to track temperature, pH and infection biomarkers, potentially reducing health care costs and improving patient well-being. Tuomas Yrjölä, president of global brand, innovation and sustainability at Essity, emphasized the impact of sensor technology in preventive care, highlighting the project’s role in fostering innovation while contributing to a more sustainable and circular society.

L’Oréal Paris USA celebrated the 18th year of its Women of Worth program, honoring impactful women leaders in nonprofit sectors with their annual event at NeueHouse Hollywood in Los Angeles, US. This year’s event, attended by brand ambassadors like singer Camila Cabello and actress Eva Longoria, recognized the 2023 honorees. The event showcased stories of ten awardees and their organizations, addressing pressing issues such as climate action, gender equality and quality education. Each recipient received a US$25,000 grant, mentorship and a national platform to amplify their causes. Nominations for the 2024 honorees are open until International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. Nominated women will have a chance to receive support for their causes.

By Benjamin Ferrer