Personal care major Unilever has developed a low-cost topical formula that delivers a fresh, young and lively look to the skin via a blend of vitamin C and olivine extract.
International beauty major L’Oréal has developed a steam treatment hair device that it says is more compact, lightweight and energy efficient, enabling long-lasting styling safely.
International personal care major Colgate-Palmolive has developed an active stannous, fluoride and potassium translucent charcoal toothpaste that offers protection from caries, erosion and hypersensitivity.
International beauty major Coty has developed an active antiperspirant formula that offers a long-lasting fragrance after application using a blend of lotus flower extracts.
Personal care major Unilever has designed a toothbrush head with concaved bristles that it says offers improved teeth cleaning, particularly stain removal.
International beauty major L’Oréal has developed a lipstick formula that can be made with minimal or zero animal-derived ingredients and beeswax, suggesting it could be used to offer coloured and non-coloured combined lip care kits.
International beauty major Coty has filed a patent on a method to refill empty fragrance containers in-store, using a station that blends fragrance concentrate, distilled water and ethanol on-demand.
A round-up of CosmeticsDesign-Europe’s most-read news from December 2022 shows interest in Unilever’s patent on a two-step SPF method, a deep-dive interview with Weleda’s R&D chief and insight on biotech promise in collagen.
A flurry of patents were filed in 2022 from industry heavyweights, including L’Oréal, Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive and Shiseido. Here, CosmeticsDesign-Europe rounds up our coverage of the year’s patent-worthy innovations.
International personal care major Unilever has developed a two-step method offering high SPF and UVA protection via a cleanser and cream that can be offered to consumers in a kit.
Big Brand Talks – In Conversation with Today’s Beauty Leaders
Unilever wants to continue to plug consumer needs in deodorants and antiperspirants and hopes to deliver its next big breakthrough technology by 2030, says the company’s R&D head of personal care.
International beauty major L’Oréal has developed a tinted cosmetic sunscreen formulation with UVA and UVB protection suitable for dark phototypes five and six, plugging an important market gap, it says.
Personal care major Unilever has filed a patent on a method to induce the natural secretion of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) on the human body – enforcing immunity of the skin, scalp and oral cavity it claims.
International beauty major Coty has developed a system that enables dynamic and more representative digital colour adjustments for virtual makeup try-ons, either via video stream or augmented reality (AR).
Special Edition: PROTECTIVE BEAUTY – SUNCARE, ENVIRONMENT AND STRESS
European personal care major Beiersdorf has developed a range of sunscreen formulas for the US market that provide protection but also offer aesthetically pleasing visual effects to the skin.
International personal care major Colgate-Palmolive has developed a range of whitening and abrasive oral care formulas with improved stability and in-use delivery using fatty acid salts.
A round-up of CosmeticsDesign-Europe’s most-read news from February 2022 shows interest in Procter & Gamble (P&G) and Unilever patents, deeper insight on the recent UK Green Claims Code and business moves from Unilever and Coty.
Personal care major Procter & Gamble (P&G) has developed water-soluble pouches containing dissolvable hair care pellets for a user-friendly, sustainable alternative to existing bottled and solid formats.
Personal care major Unilever has developed a scalp care formulation using the disaccharide trehalose as a prebiotic to reduce levels of fungi associated with dandruff.
A round-up of CosmeticsDesign-Europe’s most-read news from January 2022 shows interest in L’Oréal patents and NPD, social media trends, Rituals’ B Corp status and beauty science in review.
International beauty major L’Oréal has developed a method to identify the molecular signature of a person’s scalp in a common alopecic state, enabling prognosis and diagnosis, along with the development of efficacious cosmetic treatments for such hair...
A raft of patents were filed in 2021 from industry heavyweights, including L’Oréal, Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive and Estée Lauder. Here, CosmeticsDesign-Europe rounds up our coverage of the year’s patent-worthy innovations.
Personal care major Unilever has developed an antiperspirant formula without traditional metal-based actives like aluminium, offering an active alternative thanks to a blend of film forming polymers, solvents and plasticizers.
The cosmetic and detergent categories are innovating most intensely in bioplastic technologies worldwide, with Europe and the US leading the charge, finds a study from the European Patent Office (EPO).
A round-up of CosmeticsDesign-Europe’s most-read news from September 2021 shows interest in world beauty leaders creating a consortium to co-develop an environmental impact and scoring system, a new probiotic powder targeting psoriasis via the gut-skin...
International beauty major has developed a hair styling formulation for curly hair from a blend of sugar compounds and plant fibre, offering a natural and light-weight alternative to film-forming polymer and silicone products.
A round-up of CosmeticsDesign-Europe’s most-read news from August 2021 shows interest in the most popular beauty brands on TikTok, Unilever’s patent on post-consumer resin coloured packaging, and The Hut Group’s acquisition of Cult Beauty.
Prestige beauty major Estée Lauder Companies has developed a reusable pump device that simultaneously cools and dispenses product and a single-use cosmetic pad with a self-heating function and preloaded formulation.
Personal care major Unilever has developed sustainable black packaging made from layered post-consumer resin materials, breathing new life into plastic previously treated as waste.
A round-up of CosmeticsDesign-Europe’s most-read news from July 2021 shows interest in Avon predicting the end of ‘anti-ageing’, Firmenich’s AI-powered digital tool to develop scents, and Sephora’s acquisition of Feelunique and deal with Zalando.
International beauty major L’Oréal has developed a digital system that analyses protein biomarkers in the skin and predicts trends likely to be experienced because of these, enabling highly customised formulations and more suitable product recommendations.
Personal care major Colgate-Palmolive has developed an antiperspirant formula containing cannabidiol (CBD) that it says works as an anti-irritant on the skin.
A round-up of CosmeticsDesign-Europe’s most-read news from April 2021 shows interest in CBD innovation from Colgate-Palmolive and future opportunities in cannabinoids, an eco-startup on a mission to make powdered personal care the norm, and expert insight...
Personal care giant Colgate-Palmolive has developed three active oral care formulas that integrate a cannabinoid, namely cannabidiol (CBD), for antibacterial efficacy and anti-inflammatory action.
Personal care major Unilever has developed a zinc salt-based toothpaste that it says can deliver more than just oral care benefits, lowering blood pressure via enhanced nitrate reductase activity.
International beauty major L’Oréal has developed a motorised skin treatment device that offers a range of cleansing and massaging options in response to vocal cues from users; it then provides smart audio feedback and guidance via an integrated speaker...
Personal care major Beiersdorf has developed a collection of alternative UV filter blends for use in cosmetic applications and sunscreens that it says provide increased stability and address nano particle concerns.
There was a raft of patent filings this year from industry’s biggest beauty companies, including Unilever, L’Oréal, Beiersdorf and Colgate-Palmolive. Here, CosmeticsDesign-Europe rounds up our coverage of this year’s patent-worthy innovations.
Personal care major Unilever has developed a topical composition using natural monoterpenoids from thyme and pine that it says can balance and restore microbiota diversity of the skin, particularly in amenable skin that presents conditions like...
Personal care major Colgate-Palmolive has developed toothpaste formulas incorporating metal silicates that it says provide efficient whitening whilst remaining gentle on the tooth enamel.
International beauty major L’Oréal has designed a means to manufacture custom-made hair dye kits, integrating e-commerce orders from consumers directly into a smart robotic filling system.
German personal care major has developed a hair styling blend with saccharose and starch that enables the complete replacement of synthetic polymers without impacting product efficacy.
Personal care major Unilever has developed a rinse-off shampoo formulation targeting dandruff that acts quicker, enabling reduced shower or bath time to appeal to sustainable living.
International beauty major L’Oréal has developed an anhydrous sunscreen rich in antioxidants using liquid carnauba wax that protects the formula from oxidation and avoids sensory degradation.
Personal care giant Colgate-Palmolive has developed an oral care teeth whitening composition using natural, plant-based abrasives derived from walnut tree bark and branches for improved polish and shine.
A compilation of CosmeticsDesign-Europe’s most-read news from May 2020 shows significant interest in COVID-19 skin research, and high engagement on in-depth analysis around changing beauty opportunities amid coronavirus and morphed retail landscapes.
German personal care major Beiersdorf has developed a sunscreen dispensing system that incorporates a UV exposure stamp to alert consumers when product needs to be reapplied.
Bioplastics research and development efforts worldwide remain very immature, particularly in cosmetics where there have been very few patents filed, according to Clarivate Analytics.
![The blend of the two actives works synergistically to improve the overall 'glow' and appearance of the skin [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/headlines/brand-innovation/unilever-patents-vitamin-c-olivine-skin-care-formulation-for-energising-glow/16351007-1-eng-GB/Unilever-patents-vitamin-C-olivine-skin-care-formulation-for-energising-glow.jpg)
![The hair brush device incorporates heat conducing teeth with steam dispensers for effective and easy brushing and styling [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/headlines/brand-innovation/l-oreal-files-patents-on-steam-treatment-hair-brush-device-for-compact-safe-long-lasting-styling/16292962-1-eng-GB/L-Oreal-files-patents-on-steam-treatment-hair-brush-device-for-compact-safe-long-lasting-styling.jpg)
![Colgate-Palmolive has developed a translucent activated charcoal toothpaste - very different to the opaque and dark options currently on the market [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/headlines/formulation-science/colgate-palmolive-patents-active-charcoal-toothpaste-with-stannous-and-potassium-salts-for-caries-protection/16223548-1-eng-GB/Colgate-Palmolive-patents-active-charcoal-toothpaste-with-stannous-and-potassium-salts-for-caries-protection.jpg)
![The formula contains a blended lotus extract that also offers active properties [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2023/02/20/coty-files-patent-on-antiperspirant-with-long-lasting-fragrance-using-lotus-blend-from-provital/16183967-1-eng-GB/Coty-files-patent-on-antiperspirant-with-long-lasting-fragrance-using-lotus-blend-from-Provital.jpg)
![The patent outlines a bristle design that Unilever says improves contact with teeth, enabling improved cleaning [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/headlines/packaging-design/unilever-files-patent-on-toothbrush-bristle-design-for-better-stain-removal/16154405-1-eng-GB/Unilever-files-patent-on-toothbrush-bristle-design-for-better-stain-removal.jpg)
![The lipstick formula can be made with or without colouring agents, ultimately being offered to consumers in kit-form [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2023/01/24/l-oreal-files-vegan-lipstick-patent-with-coloured-and-non-coloured-formula-options/16112015-1-eng-GB/L-Oreal-files-vegan-lipstick-patent-with-coloured-and-non-coloured-formula-options.jpg)
![The refill station has been designed for easy consumer use via a digital interface for blending and refilling in-store [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/headlines/packaging-design/coty-files-international-patent-on-fragrance-refill-station-for-simple-in-store-refilling/16071851-1-eng-GB/Coty-files-international-patent-on-fragrance-refill-station-for-simple-in-store-refilling.jpg)
![Unilever, L'Oréal, Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive, Beiersdorf, Coty and Shiseido all filed important patents in 2022 [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/12/21/beauty-patents-2022-from-unilever-l-oreal-colgate-palmolive-and-more-focus-on-uv-protection-hair-care-and-technology/16040312-1-eng-GB/Beauty-patents-2022-from-Unilever-L-Oreal-Colgate-Palmolive-and-more-focus-on-UV-protection-hair-care-and-technology.jpg)
![Unilever's invention features a cleansing wash-off step with a composition comprising high levels of water-soluble UVA and UVB sunscreens [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/12/13/unilever-files-international-patent-for-two-step-spf-uva-protection-via-cleanser-and-sunscreen/16019153-1-eng-GB/Unilever-files-international-patent-for-two-step-SPF-UVA-protection-via-cleanser-and-sunscreen.jpg)
![Unilever's R&D teams are looking to take existing 72-hour sweat and odour protection to new heights [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/headlines/brand-innovation/unilever-eyes-deodorant-breakthrough-for-2030-after-patented-72-hour-antiperspirant-rollout/15841217-1-eng-GB/Unilever-eyes-deodorant-breakthrough-for-2030-after-patented-72-hour-antiperspirant-rollout.jpg)
![According to L'Oréal, tinted high-coverage sunscreens for dark skin types are limited and those on the market have sensorial drawbacks [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/08/19/l-oreal-patents-tinted-sunscreen-for-dark-skin-phototypes-5-and-6-using-pigment-blend/15696789-1-eng-GB/L-Oreal-patents-tinted-sunscreen-for-dark-skin-phototypes-5-and-6-using-pigment-blend.jpg)
![Unilever says a topical blend containing hydroxystearic acid can stimulate antimicrobial peptide production and offer skin, scalp and oral protection against microorganisms [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/06/28/unilever-patents-antimicrobial-peptides-topical-for-skin-scalp-and-oral-immunity/15552299-1-eng-GB/Unilever-patents-antimicrobial-peptides-topical-for-skin-scalp-and-oral-immunity.jpg)
![The technology enables users to try on more realistic colour cosmetics in an Augmented Reality (AR) setting or via video stream [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/06/09/coty-patent-on-virtual-makeup-try-on-tech-for-augmented-reality-and-video-streaming/15494939-1-eng-GB/Coty-patent-on-virtual-makeup-try-on-tech-for-Augmented-Reality-and-video-streaming.jpg)
![The sunscreen formulations contained a range of pigment combinations to offer a soft shine, luster, sparkle and even metallic effect in some cases [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/headlines/formulation-science/beiersdorf-patents-sunscreens-with-shimmer-effect-for-us-market/15410452-1-eng-GB/Beiersdorf-patents-sunscreens-with-shimmer-effect-for-US-market.jpg)
![Colgate-Palmolive says fatty acid salts can improve the stability of a range of formulations, including toothpastes, gels and tooth varnishes [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/03/15/colgate-palmolive-patents-oral-care-formulas-with-fatty-acid-salts-for-improved-stability/13322668-1-eng-GB/Colgate-Palmolive-patents-oral-care-formulas-with-fatty-acid-salts-for-improved-stability.jpg)
![The fibrous pouches dissolve quickly when in contact with hot water, offering a simple and fast user experience [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/headlines/formulation-science/procter-gamble-patents-dissolvable-hair-care-pouches-as-simple-sustainable-alternative/13253917-1-eng-GB/Procter-Gamble-patents-dissolvable-hair-care-pouches-as-simple-sustainable-alternative.jpg)
![Unilever says the formula can be integrated into a range of hair care products, including serums, creams, foams and shampoos [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/02/03/unilever-patents-prebiotic-anti-dandruff-formulation-using-disaccharide-trehalose/13210958-1-eng-GB/Unilever-patents-prebiotic-anti-dandruff-formulation-using-disaccharide-trehalose.jpg)
![L'Oréal wants to specifically direct its methods towards predicting androgenetic alopecia in men - known as male-pattern baldness [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/01/10/l-oreal-patents-hair-loss-prognosis-diagnosis-and-treatment-methods-for-alopecia/13142279-1-eng-GB/L-Oreal-patents-hair-loss-prognosis-diagnosis-and-treatment-methods-for-alopecia.jpg)
![P&G, Beiersdorf, L'Oréal, Estée Lauder, Unilever and Colgate-Palmolive all filed important beauty patents in 2021 [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2021/12/24/beauty-patents-2021-from-l-oreal-unilever-estee-lauder-and-more-show-tech-actives-and-naturals-focus/13120260-1-eng-GB/Beauty-patents-2021-from-L-Oreal-Unilever-Estee-Lauder-and-more-show-tech-actives-and-naturals-focus.jpg)
![Unilever says the compositions are ideal for aerosol antiperspirants designed for the underarms, but can also be incorporated into stick or gel roll-on products [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2021/11/24/unilever-files-patents-on-metal-free-antiperspirant-blends-for-better-efficacy/13039518-1-eng-GB/Unilever-files-patents-on-metal-free-antiperspirant-blends-for-better-efficacy.jpg)
![Several major beauty and personal care majors are particularly active in international patent filings on bioplastics innovation for cosmetics and detergents [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2021/10/21/cosmetics-plastic-innovation-promising-in-bioplastics-plastic-recycling-says-european-patent-office/12946065-1-eng-GB/Cosmetics-plastic-innovation-promising-in-bioplastics-plastic-recycling-says-European-Patent-Office.jpg)
![L'Oréal says its formula offers an alternative to polymer-based products that can often be sticky on application and dry stiff [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2021/09/14/l-oreal-patents-natural-sugar-based-hair-styling-formula-for-curly-hair/12818563-1-eng-GB/L-Oreal-patents-natural-sugar-based-hair-styling-formula-for-curly-hair.jpg)
![Estée Lauder says its two devices improve shelf-life and product efficacy - cooling and heating preloaded formulations upon application [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2021/08/20/estee-lauder-companies-patents-on-cooling-and-heating-beauty-devices/12754121-1-eng-GB/Estee-Lauder-Companies-patents-on-cooling-and-heating-beauty-devices.jpg)
![Developing sustainable black packaging perceived 'acceptable' in colour for premium beauty products has not been easy but Unilever says a multilayer technique and post-consumer resins had worked well [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/headlines/packaging-design/unilever-patents-circular-post-consumer-resin-beauty-packaging/12728129-3-eng-GB/Unilever-patents-circular-post-consumer-resin-beauty-packaging.jpg)
![The patent-pending system has been designed to identify 'skin trends' associated with certain biomarkers, enabling highly customised formulations to be blended or product recommendations made [Getty Images]tion development and improve existing product recommendation](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2021/07/22/l-oreal-patents-protein-biomarker-analysis-and-skin-diagnostics-system-for-highly-personalised-skin-care/12668298-1-eng-GB/L-Oreal-patents-protein-biomarker-analysis-and-skin-diagnostics-system-for-highly-personalised-skin-care.jpg)
![The personal care major says the antiperspirant formulas have demonstrated anti-irritation skin benefits when used in multiple forms, including roll-on, stick and spray [Getty Images]](https://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/headlines/formulation-science/colgate-patents-cbd-antiperspirant-deodorants-skin-care-and-hair-care-formulas-for-anti-irritant-properties/12555126-1-eng-GB/Colgate-patents-CBD-antiperspirant-deodorants-skin-care-and-hair-care-formulas-for-anti-irritant-properties.jpg)
