Cosmetics Design USA – the top five stories of 2012

So here is the run down of those top five stories in order of just how popular they were:.

BB to CC, and now DD creams​

Last month we published an interview with Vivienne Rudd, senior analyst at Mintel, in which she cited the rise of the BB cream as the fastest growing and hardest hitting trend she had ever seen.

First BB Creams, then CC Creams, now DD creams!​ highlighted how the trend for these ‘miracle’ creams first hit Asia, but has now taken on a distinctly global phenomenon.

These creams combine functions such as moisturizers, concealers and anti-aging properties, and are evolving at a rate to include ever more functionality, with the latest category to emerge – DD cream – moving the focus from the face to the body.

Everyone wants to be in Brazil…​

Back in June we published an article highlighting the continued breakneck growth rate of the cosmetics and personal care industry in the Brazil market.

Brazil market continues to shine​ highlighted the fact that industry growth in the country has been sustained despite the global economic downtown, furthermore forecasting that future growth will continue.

The article also highlights Euromonitor’s stats that show the market has grown 79 percent in the five years up to 2011 to reach an estimated value of $43bn, and further predicts that the market is set to reach $59bn by 2016.

It’s all about anti-aging and naturals​

In July we wrote about Freedonia research that backs up the fact that the major trends of anti-aging and naturals continue to be the driving force behind the cosmetics and personal care ingredients market in the US.

US cosmetic market to be driven by demand for naturals and anti-aging​ drew attention to Freedonia predictions that the ingredients market is set to recover from the slowdown seen after 2008 and should record annual growth of 4.9 percent to reach an estimated value of $9.4bn.

The report also draws attention to predictions that botanical extracts are likely to see the biggest gains during this period, while active ingredients such as enzymes and amino acids are likely to drive the anti-aging category.

FDA gets tough on misleading claims​

This year has seen the US FDA on a quest to rid the industry of what it deems to be leading claims, a drive that has seen it give out warning letters about marketing claims to some of the biggest players, including L’Oreal and Avon.

The FDA strikes again… in matters of misleading claims​ highlights how in the month of September the body sent out warning letters to four cosmetic brand owners.

This prolific period saw Janson Beckett, Andes Natural Skin Care, Greek Island Labs and L’Oreal all rapped for using what it deemed to be misleading claims that anti-aging products could affect the structure and function of the body.

As result of the letters, all four companies were asked to desist from such marketing claims or face further action that might lead to a product re-call.

Natural and Organic time and time again…​

Even in the middle of the year we were reviewing the biggest product launches to impact the natural and organic market, and you the readers hit on the story in huge numbers.

Natural and organic trends so far in 2012​ reviewed some of the finished products, ingredients and trends that have continued to make a splash throughout the year.