Weekly Roundup: L’Oréal acquires Skinbetter Science, Shiseido patents UV absorbing tech

23 Sep 2022 --- This week in personal care news, US-based JCPenney Beauty plans to expand to 600 stores by spring 2023. L’Oréal and Skinbetter Science entered into a purchase agreement. Meanwhile, Shiseido filed a patent that maintains a UV absorber’s effect even after applying makeup.

Business news
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) opened a new liaison office in India. This liaison office began initial operations during the pandemic and has functioned virtually for the past two years, however, with the opening, IFRA hopes to better support the Indian fragrance industry to build capacity and to improve quality, safety and sustainability within the Indian fragrance industry.

A new holiday collection of Kylie Cosmetics will debut at Macy’s.Amorepacific decided to give Autajon a 60% equity stake in PacificPackage, a company that packages cosmetics. Amorepacific will continue to own the remaining 40% of the company. The goal of this partnership with Autajon is to raise PacificPackage’s level of technological, manufacturing and quality competitiveness in the international market.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) accelerated its plans for full ownership of Shields Health Solutions. For roughly US$1.37 billion, based on the exit multiple agreed upon at the time of WBA’s 2021 investment in Shields, WBA has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining 30% ownership (about 35% on a fully-diluted basis).

Shiseido filed for a patent for a beauty technique that can keep a UV absorber’s effect even when the user uses makeup over the product. This beauty technique involves applying the UV product to the skin while heating it with a heat application device, or heating the product with the same device after it has been applied to the skin.

JCPenney Beauty announced its plan to expand from its 10 brick and mortar test locations to 300 stores by early 2023, and 600 stores by spring 2023 across the US. This project is set to start beginning in October 2022. The expansion, as well as its continued exclusive collaboration with thirteen lune, is considered as the next step in the retailer’s commitment to making hyper-inclusive beauty easily accessible.

Philips Sonicare partnered with celebrity Marsai Martin to promote the importance of good oral care and the influence it has on one’s confidence. The partnership leverages Philips One by Sonicare electric toothbrush, which has a two minutes timer and is available in eight different colors. 

L’Oréal and Skinbetter Science, a skincare company supported by dermatological science, entered into a purchase agreement. Subject to the usual regulatory approvals and other customary circumstances, the closure is anticipated to take place in the first quarter of 2022.

Launches and releases
Vega launched a new line of beard trimmers, Vega SmartOne Series S1 and S2. The trimmers feature a Smart Memory Function that remembers your last used speed mode: Eco, Pro or Max. The technology also sports a fast-charging feature that is touted to give consumers ten minutes runtime from five minutes of charging.

Zotos Professional re-launched its first microbiome-friendly certified product line with the release of its subbrand Biotera’s new kind-scalp-formulations. In order to make sure that each product would be considerate of the variety of the scalp’s microbiome, Zotos Professional spent years redesigning the Biotera product line.

A new holiday collection of Kylie Cosmetics will debut at Macy’s using updated clean, vegan, and cruelty-free formulas. This line will be available in-store and online starting in October. Then, an additional selection of key Kylie Cosmetics products will be made available in Winter 2022.IFRA opened a new liaison office in India.

The Lip Bar added three new Quick Conceal Liquid Caffeine Concealer hues and four new Just a Tint 3-in-1 Tinted Skin Conditioner shades to its line of complexion products. The products contain elements like Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and rosemary leaf extract which the company claims will protect the skin.

The Maximum Strength Clearing Treatment from Perricone was the newest product added to its Acne Relief Collection. To address the most obstinate acne, Perricone developed this lightweight cream with high concentration salicylic acid in a continuous delivery system for reduced irritation.

Using live interactive virtual try-ons for nail color and nail art, Perfect Corp released a new edition of the YouCam Nails app to reimagine manicures. These try-ons are meant to provide consumers the ability to create their own nail art ideas by adding stickers, changing nail shapes, and applying different colors while seeing a live preview on their own hands. Additionally, users have access to the YouCam Nail app’s thousands of designs.

Awards and recognition
Jean-Paul Agon, chairman at L’Oréal Group, won the 2022 Appeal of Conscience Award from the foundation with the same name during the 57th awards evening in New York, US. The foundation is an interfaith organization that promotes religious liberty and human rights.

By Mieke Meintjes