Comments by a Chemist

Navigating the New Sunscreen Standards: A Closer Look at AS/NZS 2604:2021

In December 2022, Standards Australia introduced the Australian/New Zealand Standard: Sunscreen Products – Evaluation and Classification (AS/NZS 2604:2021). This updated standard is set to bring significant changes in the sunscreen industry, promising enhanced protection and safety for consumers. Here’s a detailed exploration of what these changes entail and how they might impact both consumers and manufacturers. Why Update the Sunscreen Standard? Australia has some of the highest skin cancer rates globally, a concerning statistic driven by intense ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. Effective sunscreens are crucial in mitigating skin cancer risks. The updated AS/NZS 2604:2021 aims to ensure that sunscreens available

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3 Essential Steps to Build Brand Trust with Your Customers

In today’s competitive skincare market, establishing and maintaining trust with your customers is crucial for sustained business success. Trust doesn’t just foster loyalty; it turns satisfied customers into true advocates for your brand. This is particularly important in an industry where products significantly affect users’ wellbeing and self-esteem. Here, we delve into three essential steps that skincare companies can take to build and strengthen brand trust. 1/  Gain a Deep Understanding of the Skincare Products You Are Creating Knowledge is power, particularly when it comes to formulating skincare products. For instance, if you are developing a product with Vitamin C,

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Packaging Matters – Formulating for a Future Brand

In the realm of beauty and personal care, the allure isn’t just in the product itself – it’s in the promise it holds, the experience it offers, and perhaps most strikingly, the packaging that speaks it’s language! From the sleek lines of luxury skincare to the vibrant colours of cosmetic palettes, packaging plays a pivotal role in shaping consumer perceptions and driving purchasing decisions. In the landscape of Australia’s beauty and personal care market, the numbers speak volumes. According to projections, this year alone is poised to witness a staggering $11.2 billion in revenue. And as per data sourced from

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What Does the Future Hold for Ingredient and Sustainability Transparency?

From eliminating greenwashing through blockchain technology and government-mandated evidence of eco-friendly marketing claims through the Green Claims Code and our own Australian ACCC latest draft guidance to improve businesses’ environmental claims to democratizing access to sustainability substantiation, the realms of ingredient transparency have certainly made great strides. However, with 94% of UK consumers stating that brands need to show more sustainability transparency, there is still more work to be done. To understand the social and environmental impacts of the formulations and products we are selling to consumers, we need to be more diligent in the transparency as this is the

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How MoCRA (Modernizing Cosmetics Regulation Act) May Affect Your Organisation

Are we entering a new era of cosmetic regulation?  Certain acts and regulations related to cosmetics can vary by country or region. These regulations often focus on ensuring the safety, labelling, and advertising standards of cosmetic products.  In the US, recent developments in MoCRA (Modernizing Cosmetics Regulation Act) have come to light. What you may not know is exactly what the legislation means for your company in terms of necessary adjustments in operations and strategy. There’s plenty to learn about MoCRA and its implications for your organisation – including new records to be created and maintained; testing that must be

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