Q&A with Innovation Chemist Ella Ceraulo
The cosmetics and skincare market is experiencing significant changes as consumers demand personalized, authentic, and sustainable products. The industry is leveraging chemical innovation to meet these expectations. Ella Ceraulo, an innovation chemist at Cornelius Group, shares insights on the demands and challenges posed by the consumer trends shaping the future of cosmetics.
The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted daily routines, prompting consumers to experiment with different cosmetic and skincare products. Online shopping gained influence, with consumers relying on internet research and recommendations from online influencers. As things return to normal, consumers are going back to their favorite products and routines, while also seeking sustainability and wellness.
In the personal care market, sustainability has become mainstream, but companies need to provide credible data to support their environmental claims. Skinimalism, which involves using fewer products with minimal yet effective ingredients, has gained popularity. Consumers are becoming more educated about skincare and trusting brands that offer scientific evidence for their claims. Customizable products are on the rise, allowing consumers to personalize their skincare routines based on their unique needs and preferences. Digitalization has facilitated this trend, with cosmetic companies providing quizzes and online resources to help customers choose the right products.
To rebuild consumer trust in science and technology, personal care companies must be transparent and provide factual information about cosmetic ingredients and processes. Trust can be fostered by offering clinical data and engaging consumers in understanding the materials used in their products. Environmental declarations should be supported by a holistic view of sustainability, challenging the assumption that “natural” always means eco-friendly. Chemical distributors play a crucial role in building trust by providing comprehensive information to manufacturers.
The personal care industry should move beyond the natural versus synthetic ingredients debate. Synthetic materials can be sustainable and offer greater control over supply and quality. Biotechnological advances enable the creation of sustainable synthetic versions of ingredients that are becoming scarce. The industry needs to communicate these facts to challenge assumptions about synthetic ingredients.
Cornelius Group has responded to industry changes by developing Cor-Sil Avance™, an innovative product that optimizes the manufacturing process of water–silicone emulsions. Traditional emulsification methods are energy-intensive, but Cor-Sil Avance™ enables rapid low-energy emulsification at room temperature, resulting in significant energy and time savings. Manufacturers can create premium products with minimal ingredients, improve productivity, and offer lightweight and high-spreading emulsions with a pleasant sensory application.
As the personal care industry continues to evolve, manufacturers must adapt their processes, embrace innovative technologies like Cor-Sil Avance™, and provide substantial data to meet consumer demands for sustainability, credibility, and quality.
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