Weekly Roundup: Ulta Beauty unveils BIPOC brand program, Perfect Corp. and Bakel release AI Skin Analysis tool

10 Jun 2022 --- This week in personal care news, Unilever’s Nutrafol introduced a new product line designed to balance the scalp microbiome. Meanwhile, Ulta Beauty introduced a MUSE accelerator program for Black, Indigenous, and People Of Colour (BIPOC) brands. Perfect Corp. and Bakel have teamed up to provide a personalized shopping experience to consumers through a new skin diagnostic tool.

Business news
Ulta Beauty, a beauty retailer, is taking applications for the MUSE Accelerator, an inaugural program aimed at assisting early-stage BIPOC beauty brands in launching and succeeding in retail. The MUSE Accelerator educates and helps participants with time, resources and mentorship. Through the program, Ulta Beauty aims to prepare diverse leaders for retail readiness. Launching in September, eight BIPOC beauty brands will receive US$50,000 to propel brand development. This will include opportunities to learn from subject matter experts across various topics such as merchandising, supply chain, legal and marketing.

LĀ SOL’s Clear Zinc sunscreen is suitable for all skin tones.Tupperware Brands Corporation, a consumer products company, reached a definitive deal to sell its Nutrimetics beauty business in Australia, New Zealand and France. This deal supports the company’s non-core asset divestment strategy as part of its turnaround plan. The company is selling its Nutrimetics beauty business following the sale of its Avroy Shlain beauty business in South Africa in the first quarter of 2021 and its House of Fuller beauty business in Mexico in the second quarter of 2022. The transaction’s terms and expected closing date have not been revealed.

Perfect Corp. partnered with Italian beauty brand Bakel to introduce an AI (Artificial intelligence) Skin Analysis solution to their online customers. The AI Skin Analysis solution will allow consumers to be guided through the product application process, removing uncertainties they may have. The AI skin diagnostic tool utilizes learning technology to provide users with real-time skin analysis, flagging areas that need more care and attention. Online shoppers can receive detailed skin evaluations and personalized product recommendations tailored to their skin concerns directly on Bakel’s website.

Gelo expanded to Canada with its partnership with Walmart. Gelo aims to eliminate single-use plastics from traditional personal care products. Gelo’s hand washes come in convenient pods with concentrated cleansers, “naturally derived” ingredients and moisturizing essential oils. The pods can be placed in a reusable hand soap bottle, filled with water and used as a hand wash in seconds. Therefore, this benefits the environment as extra packaging and water are saved. According to Gelo, users have a 99% reduction in their packaging impact. Gelo’s initial offering will feature the brand’s foaming and gel hand soaps in sea mist and lemon scents. 

Blazing launches
Perricone MD’s Vitamin C Ester CCC + Ferulic Brightening Under-Eye Cream reduces under-eye discoloration. Hair care brand Nutrafol introduced its Scalp Microbiome Support, a patent-pending product line, designed to balance the scalp microbiome. The Scalp Microbiome Support kit from Nutrafol includes a Build-Up Blocker exfoliation mask, Root Purifier shampoo and Stress Reliever scalp essence to build the ideal habitat for a healthy scalp barrier – an essential aspect of total hair health.

Gisou introduced the Honey Infused Beauty Balm, an all-in-one beauty balm that “melts like honey” on the skin. The beauty balm is blended with mirsalehi honey, natural actives and the company’s Mirsalehi Bee Garden Oil Blend to enhance the skin’s complexion. The balm also features a botanical-rich active blend that absorbs into the skin and may make the skin smoother and softer.

Skincare solutions provider Perricone MD unveiled its addition to its Vitamin C Ester collection, the Vitamin C Ester CCC + Ferulic Brightening under-eye cream. The formula may reduce the three types of under-eye discoloration: brown, blue and red. Three forms of vitamin C and free radical-fighting ferulic acid reduce dark brown circles. At the same time, peptides help minimize the blue appearance of under-eye puffiness and bags caused by poor circulation and fluid drainage. The under-eye cream also contains a biomimetic oat protein that reduces redness caused by allergies and inflammation.

Skincare brands Dr. Doug’s Balms unveiled a Bug Potion topical formula. Instead of using DEET – a bug repellent that may be unsafe for the skin – the brand used lemongrass. Due to the lemongrass, the bug repellent may detoxify the skin and leave it with a pleasant smell. This combination of skincare and bug repellent ingredients allows individuals to use the product as a skincare tool and a bug repellent, the brand adds.

Dr. Doug’s Balms unveiled a Bug Potion topical formula.US-based LĀ SOL introduced a Clear Zinc Sunscreen to ensure no heavy white cast is left on the skin after application. According to LĀ SOL mineral zinc, sunscreens typically leave a heavy white cast on the skin. Therefore, the LĀ SOL Clear sunscreen is suitable for all skin tones and is applied as a “smooth” non-greasy cream that offers sun protection. The product is also not greasy.

Research and studies
A Harvard study found that SEEN technology, developed by dermatologist Dr. Iris Rubin optimizes hair follicle health and supports healthy hair growth. The six-month clinical trial involved 29 female pattern hair loss patients who used SEEN Fragrance-Free Shampoo and Fragrance-Free Conditioner. The findings revealed that the SEEN products reduced hair shedding by 44% compared to the control group. The products may also benefit the scalp as hair follicles are the manufacturing plant for the hair, so keeping them healthy is essential for optimal growth and overall stronger, fuller and healthier hair. Additionally, the SEEN product line is “one of only nine” hair care brands to receive the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance for its fragrance-free products.

Community outreach
Menstrual equity non-profit organization Period introduced its Workplace Champions program. As part of the initiative, employers will be encouraged to create a healthy and welcoming environment for menstruators in the workplace. The program will recognize progressive employers who value their employees’ menstrual health and wellness needs. Myovant Sciences and Pfizer are the initial members of the Workplace Champions program. The employers in the program commit to menstrual equity by providing free period products in at least 50% of employee restrooms. Additionally, they will include period pain as an eligible reason for paid sick days and create a workplace environment that educates employees about menstrual awareness.

By Nicole Kerr