Cosmetics Innovations

At a time when innovation is a key driver in meeting consumer demand in a rapidly shifting cosmetics market, it is useful to analyse the evolution of research in the sector to highlight the scale of innovations resulting from scientific advances. 

Twenty years ago, scientific research in cosmetics was still in its infancy. Recognising the importance of supporting innovation for the competitiveness of its industry, in 2005 the French government enacted a policy of creating competitiveness clusters to combine research, training, and industry stakeholders at the heart of the regions. COSMETIC VALLEY, the association dedicated to the fragrances and cosmetics industry founded a decade earlier, was tasked with that role and forged strong links between academic researchers and industry players across the entire value chain.  

In the wake of those efforts, many collaborative projects have been undertaken over the past twenty years. Those partnerships have kept pace with developments in the sector: regulations, consumer demand in a changing society, the ecological transition, and technological advances. 

This book presents iconic scientific projects supported and certified by COSMETIC VALLEY. They illustrate the areas of innovation over the past twenty years, organised around six main topics:  

• Product development and evaluation. 

• The study of the impact of cosmetics on humans and the environment. 

• The integration of new technologies. 

• The digitalisation of the industry. 

• Organic sourcing. 

• Initiatives to further sustainable development.  

It has been compiled for researchers, manufacturers, brands, experienced professionals, and students alike. It contains something for everyone to discover and reflect on according to their expertise, while appreciating the quality and utility of scientific advances that sustainably accompany the excellence of the French cosmetics sector.