Industries and governments and even cosmetics companies are betting the farm on urbanization—it seems like a sure thing. Christophe Berset, strategic market manager for Wacker, recently noted that 54% of the world’s population is already living in urban areas, and that percentage will reach 70% by 2050.


People are flocking to urban areas for a better quality of life and better living standards. Sure, they may find jobs, but their skin is going to take a beating. Berset pointed out that cities are responsible for 70% of global carbon dioxide emissions—not good, and it gets worse.


As we reported online last month, Amorepacific found that higher incidence of skin diseases in more urbanized populations is due to the differences in skin microbiomes.


“Finding the correlation between urbanization and skin microbiomes is special as it serves as a basis to the development of solutions for skin problems that modern city residents experience,” said Han Sang-hoon, head of Amorepacific R&D Center.


For the past several years, cosmetic raw material suppliers have promoted their “anti-pollution” active ingredients. Looks like they may have been on to something! If you’re looking for anti-pollution ingredients or any active or functional material for your personal care formula, you’ve come to the right place at the right time. In-Cosmetics Global takes place in Amsterdam this month, and NYSCC Suppliers’ Day will be held in New York City in May. Both trade shows provide an excellent shopping experience for any formulator in search of a novel raw material. And, of course, if you’re interested in the latest anti-aging research, be sure to sign up for Happi’s Anti-Aging Conference, which will be co-located with NYSCC Suppliers’ Day next month. Register today at conference.happi.com.


Startups and indie brands are gaining loyal consumer followings. But how do startups get their start? By starting a conversation with contract manufacturers! This month we spoke with executives at several successful startups to find out what went right and wrong when they were just getting started.


If it’s April, you know that Spring fragrance launches are well underway. Melissa Meisel looks at the newest additions to prestige and mass channels for our lead story. Finally, Christine Esposito keeps you up-to-date on the goings-on in the multicultural beauty category.


Whether in the US or Europe, Happi will be at all the major shows this Spring. We’ll see you on the show floor!


Tom Branna
Editorial Director
tbranna@rodmanmedia.com