Personal Care

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Sales of cosmetics and toiletries in the United States increased 2.4% to $36.5 billion in 2010 — which is above pre-recession levels — thanks to technological advances, promotional activity and rising consumer confidence, according to worldwide consulting and research firm Kline.

CHATSWORTH, Calif. — Nature’s Gate is expanding its portfolio in May to include the new Herbal Blend hand creams, the first hand products from the personal care brand and the latest additions to the Herbal Blend collection.
 
Nature’s Gate Herbal Blend hand creams combine certified organic shea butter, soybean oil and sunflower oil with botanical extracts to hydrate, nourish and pamper dry hands.
 
The Nature’s Gate Herbal Blend hand cream collection includes:

NEW YORK — Colgate-Palmolive is bolstering its foothold in the European personal care market by acquiring from Unilever the Sanex personal care brand for about $940 million.

Sanex is a multicategory personal care brand with 2010 net sales of about $260 million, primarily in western Europe. Liquid body cleansing and deodorants each represent nearly 50% of the business.

The deal is structured as an all-cash acquisition for shares and net assets. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter this year.

SUPPLIER NEWS — Pacific World is launching exclusively at Walmart in March its new GeoGirl eco-friendly beauty line for tweens. The 69-SKU collection, which has suggested retail pricing between $3.98 and $5.98, includes makeup for face, lips, cheeks and eyes, as well as skin and body care. The formulas are made with 100%-natural fragrances, and the packaging is made of recyc­lable materials.



ANN ARBOR, Mich., and BRUSSELS — NSF International, a U.S. testing and certification organization, has partnered with Natrue, the international natural and organic cosmetic association based in Brussels, to develop a national standard for natural personal care products.

NEW YORK — The world's largest consumer-voted program that recognizes innovation in consumer packaged goods announced this year's award-winning brands.

At the third annual 2011 Product of the Year USA awards ceremony, Product of the Year unveiled the most innovative products of the year, voted by more than 60,000 American shoppers in a survey conducted by TNS, a custom research agency.

NEW YORK — Personal care brand Eos has announced the launch of its new tangerine medicated anti-bacterial Lip Balm Smooth Sphere.

The medicated lip balm is 95% natural and provides antibacterial protection through the natural active ingredient phenol, the company stated. The lip balm promises to not only help soothe dry lips and prevent the spread of germs, but also alleviate the symptoms of cold sores.

Supplier News — EcoTools once again is joining forces with actress Alicia Silverstone to introduce for the spring the revamped eco-conscious cosmetic bag and brush collection set dubbed EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone. The collection, which will launch April 2011, will feature three additions and three revised sets, and will be available at Walmart, Target and Walgreens.