Weekly roundup: Firmenich’s launches scientific board, Estée Lauder reveals leadership fund

06 May 2022 --- This week in personal care news, Firmenich announced its Scientific Advisory Board, and strengthened its stake in strategic partner, ArtSci Biotechnologies. Nature’s Sunshine is receiving three Stevie Awards for its business strategy. Wella Company extended its acquisition of Briogeo. Hair care brand OUAI is releasing two new products, while Proven Skincare is launching a personalized eye-care duo.

Meanwhile, Maybelline New York launched a new vinyl lip color, Dabble & Dollop revealed a line of baby bath care products.

Business movesAnnie Young-Scrivner, CEO of Wella Company and Nancy Twine, CEO of Briogeo have overseen the massive growth of their respective companies.
Fragrance giant Firmenich announced its new Scientific Advisory Board to help guide the group’s R&D strategy. The board includes “leading” independent scientists who will meet regularly to provide insight on developments within biotechnology, neuroscience, materials science, artificial intelligence (AI) and health to identify new business opportunities. The board will also review Firmenich’s research portfolio to provide “strategic input” into differentiating focus areas. The seven members include: Chairman Patrick Aebischer; Makus Antonietti; Regina Barzilay; Antoine Firmenich; Chaitain Khosla; Sarah Reisinger; and Richard Ridinger. This week, Firmenich also announced it had increased its equity stake in its strategic partner, ArtSci Biotechnologies. The move will strengthen Firmenich’s ability to serve Chinese markets. ArtSci’s management team will remain in place.

Hair care powerhouse Wella Company extended its growth acquisition of the eco-friendly brand Briogeo, one of the largest independent black-owned brands in the US. The expansion will drive Wella’s growth and expand its portfolio of environmentally sustainable products. Briogeo has grown rapidly since its launch in 2018, with founder and CEO Nancy Twine recognized as a top entrepreneur in beauty over the last decade. Wella intends to help Briogeo’s business strategy to continue to differentiate in the crowded hair care space. 

Product launches
Hair care brand OUAI, created by celebrity stylist Jen Atkin is releasing its first clinically proven products, Scalp Serum and Thick & Full Supplements. The companion products are said to create an ideal environment for the appearance of thicker, fuller hair after 60 days of consistent use. The company says it develops products based on community feedback. The Scalp Serum contains adaptogens like arctic root, Siberian ginseng and Chaga mushroom alongside hyaluronic acid and red clover extract. The Thick & Full Supplements are vegan and contain biotin and pea sprout extract to support hair health.

OUAI is a noted “cult favorite” among consumers.

Proven Skincare, an AI-powered “technology” first brand, announced its personalized Eye Cream Duo. The set contains ingredients that nourish the delicate under-eye area. The formulas are made to work for an individual’s unique skin and lifestyle. Each product is personalized via AI tools. The launch is the company’s first product since October 2019. 

Maybelline New York is showcasing its Super Stay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lip Color, a no-budge lip color promising up to 16 hours of wear. The formula is made up of “high-impact” Bio-Mimic ink pigments and liquid shine-boosters, helping against smudging and transfer. The product contains a “color lock complex” that helps it stay in place on the mouth. Currently, it is available online and at US mass-market retailers in ten shades: Lippy, Peachy, Coy, Red-Hot, Unrivaled, Cheeky, Witty, Capricious, Wicked, and Royal. Target stores will feature five more exclusive rose tones.

US children’s bath and body product maker Dabble & Dollop is introducing its line of Dabble Ducky infant and baby products. The products are meant for infant skin, eczema-prone skin, and dry or irritated skin. The lineup will include Infant Wash, Infant Balm and Infant Face & Neck Wipes. All products are free from essential oils and feature Dabble & Dollop’s Beta-Baby beta-glucan ingredient, which is said to nourish the stratum corneum, or outermost layer of the skin. Beta Baby is also promoted as helping to reduce redness and irritation and is suited to the most sensitive of skin types, supporting the skin barrier.

Recognition and responsibility
The Estée Lauder Companies announced the launch of the Estée Lauder Emerging Leaders (ELEL) Fund, a charitable fund aiming to “redefine leadership” and support the next generation of emerging women leaders. The fund also aims to challenge gender stereotypes in leadership. The money will be directed toward global organizations providing leadership and development opportunities, cultivating supportive communities and advocacy toward emerging leaders “with a daring vision for change.” 

Health and wellness company Nature’s Sunshine has earned three Stevie Awards from the 20th Annual American Business Awards. The awards recognize the company’s transformation in the realm of consumer relationships and rebranding. Nature’s Sunshine is receiving the Gold Award for Marketing Campaign of the Year, Health, Fitness & Wellness Silver Award for Company of the Year, Health Products and Services Silver Award for Brand Renovation.

Edited by Olivia Nelson