Weekly Roundup: Northrop Grumman to deliver skin research to International Space Station, Skinceuticals to open lab in NY

18 Feb 2022 --- This week in personal care news, Skinceuticals entered a partnership with Tribeca Medspa to open its Skinlab in New York City. Reckitt Global Hygiene Institute revealed plans to plug “significant gaps” in hygiene research, while Northrop Grumman set out plans to deliver research on skin health, cancer treatment and nanoparticles to the International Space Station (ISS). Also, I:se All Natural Skincare, a clean beauty brand inspired by indigenous American traditions, launched three new skin and face wellness products.

Meanwhile, Firmenich's global president of perfumery, Ilaria Resta, has been awarded the 2022 Cosmetics Executive Women (CEW) Achiever award by the CEW for her accomplishments in the cosmetics sector. According to Firmenich, Resta is the first and only women to serve as global president for a major fragrance house. In her role, she has created a formal mentorship program aimed at guiding young talent at Firmenich to reach their full potential.

Resta, an active member of Firmenich's team, was named for the role in 2020. 

Products are popping
I:se, which refers to the Mohawk word for “you,” is releasing three new products to promote healthy skin using natural ingredients. 

I:se’s face serum contains hyaluronic acid and a blend of “fast-absorbing” active botanical ingredients to balance complexion and protect against environmental elements. The I:se face mist includes antioxidants and is said to moisturize and hydrate the skin. And the brand’s face oil contains micronutrients to promote healthy aging and cell renewal.

Harte says she drew upon her ancestry for inspiration while creating the skincare line.Inspired by its founder Stephanie Harte’s Native American heritage, the brand says it is committed to continually improving the environmental sustainability of its supply chain and production processes.

“While we are committed to sustainability, we are not perfect. We will remain in a relentless pursuit of more compliant materials, partners, and processes,” says Harte. 

The research race
Northrop Grumman has set out to transform skincare and cancer science by conducting research on skin health and tumor cell development in microgravity environments on its third Commercial Resupply Services mission to the ISS. This is part of the ISS’ initiative to fund at least 15 research and technology development endeavors.

The investigation will look at biomarkers of skin health “stressful” microgravity environments, guiding skincare product development for low-gravity settings. Northrop Grumman is also looking at the development of cancer in microgravity environments. 

Northrop Grumman’s research could significantly impact cancer research and offer recommendations for cancer therapies and treatment drugs in the future.

Recently, Colgate-Palmolive announced plans to set up an orbiting laboratory to investigate the effects of microgravity environments on the skin. The increased interest in the impact of space-environments on the skin may indicate a new market will emerge for products that mitigate microgravity as space technology and skin research advances.A market may be emerging for cosmetics catering to low-gravity skincare.

Meanwhile, non-profit group The Reckitt Global Hygiene Institute, has designated its first four fellows to investigate the link between health and hygiene. The group says this will fill a significant research gap and support more scientifically valid health and hygiene solutions in the future. 

“Hygiene is foundational to health, and the way we consider hygiene measures needs to be realigned. An increase in evidence around hygiene would help to change policy and prevent people from contracting other diseases,” says the institute’s executive director, Simon Sinclair.

The fellows will be supplied with up to three years salary in addition to US$150,000 in research funds, US$15,000 in travel expenses and another US$15,000 to aid training and capacity building.

The research’s findings have the potential to shift the global health agenda.

The skinny on a new lab
The professional skincare brand Skinceuticals is opening a Skinlab in New York City, NY, in partnership with Tribeca Medspa. The lab will offer consumers access to skincare consultations and treatments from doctors, registered nurses and medical aestheticians. 

The Skinlab will launch Skinceuticals’ exclusive SkinVIP membership program, allowing members to choose one signature treatment per month in addition to unlocking deals for aesthetic treatments and Skinceuticals and Dermablend products.

The brand currently has US-based labs in Scottsdale, AZ, St. Helena, CA, Palm Desert, CA, Stamford, CT, Grand Rapids, MI, Miami, FL, Charleston, SC and Houston, TX.

Edited by Olivia Nelson