Cosmogen designs dedicated packaging for L'Oréal's prestige brand mini-formats lipsticks, meeting the expectations of consumers, particularly Generation Z.
Cosmogen has developed specific packaging for mini-format lipsticks for L'Oréal's prestige brands, including Lancôme, YSL Beauté, Armani Beauté and Prada Beauty. These brands entrusted Cosmogen with the development of these formats, especially for travel-retail and discovery boxes. The company offered a personalized approach to all aspects, including design and industrialization techniques. «Ready-to-wear», Cosmogen is also introducing a standard mini-format with a 1.4 g capacity, incorporating a customizable mechanism, all within a controlled industrial framework.
Focus on the mini-formats strategy
This initiative responds to the growing demand for multi-shade collections at affordable prices, particularly valued by Generation Z. This compact format facilitates access to make-up products when traveling or making new discoveries. According to the company, innovation lies at the heart of its «Innovation & Development» department, which strives to detect and anticipate market trends to create adapted products. At the same time, Cosmogen is committed to sustainable development. 100 % of the innovation process includes the 3R criteria: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. « This strategy is in line with our commitment to social and environmental responsibility »explains the company.
CSR commitment
With a focus on responsibility, the packaging and applicators on offer are designed to be collapsible, recyclable and/or refillable, using recycled materials. Cosmogen, which adopted the status of a company with a mission in 2022, is committed to responsible innovation for sustainable beauty, respecting both people and the environment. This global approach reinforces Cosmogen's position as an expert in application solutions for cosmetics brands.
With just a few days to go before the opening of the 2026 edition, the Paris Packaging Week showcases its ambitions. With new areas dedicated to reuse, high-level conferences on PPWR, innovations in materials, and the growing importance of PCD, the show has established itself as a key event for cosmetics packaging professionals.
PCD: 25 years at the heart of cosmetics transformation
The PCD (Packaging of Perfume, Cosmetics & Design), the show's historic pillar, celebrates its twenty-fifth edition this year. It brings together nearly 600 of the 935 exhibitors expected throughout Paris Packaging Week, confirming its central position for cosmetics packaging professionals. « SCI continues to be the driving force behind the show »says Christelle Anya, Content and Community Director. Suppliers of bottles, pumps, carton makers, box designers and full-service providers: the entire cosmetics value chain is represented.
Christelle Anya, Content and Community Director, Paris Packaging Week.
Noura Moussa, Head of Marketing, Paris Packaging Week.
The show is also recording steady growth in visitor numbers. The 2025 edition attracted 12,588 professionals, and the organizers hope to break the symbolic barrier of 15,000 visitors this year. « We come to Paris Packaging Week with business in mind: it's a transactional, action-oriented show. »says Noura Moussa, Head of Marketing. This pragmatic positioning appeals to a community that is increasingly structured around operational projects.
Reuse and recharging at the heart of a new chapter
In response to regulatory requirements and changing usage patterns, this year's Paris Packaging Week inaugurates a new zone dedicated to reuse and recharge. Dubbed Refill & Reuse, The event, which will be attended by around ten exhibitors, will feature solutions designed to integrate these practices into cosmetics production chains. « We have designed this zone to meet a twofold expectation: regulatory developments such as PPWR, and the growing demand for sustainable solutions from brands. »says Noura Moussa. Our commitment to sustainability extends to other thematic zones, such as the Full Service Zone, which offers turnkey solutions, particularly to young brands or those looking to accelerate their time-to-market.
The Discovery Zone expands: 20 startups to shake up standards
A showcase for emerging innovation, the Discovery Zone is expanding to welcome more than 20 start-ups this year. These start-ups will be presenting technologies, materials or services that break with traditional packaging models. « We've expanded this zone to promote the visibility of new technologies and enable brands to identify agile and creative partners. »explains Noura Moussa. In particular, visitors will discover proposals for molded fiber, Zamak reused in luxury goods, and fully recyclable materials. A pitches stage will enable startups to present their innovations live, facilitating exchange with visitors and exhibitors.
Conferences: from regulations to structural transformations
Another pillar of the show is a conference program focusing on sustainability, new technologies and industrial strategy. The stage Circular Economy will explore the practical implications of PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), particularly in terms of packaging design, deposits, traceability and recycled materials.
" We have structured the conferences to cover all the changes taking place in the sector: regulations, ecological transition, new uses, and major brand initiatives. »says Christelle Anya. Among the speakers announced: L'Oréal, Diptyque, Yves Rocher, La Rosée, and the Coalition Consigne Cosmétique. Brands will be sharing their practices and outlining the challenges involved in making the transition to reusable models. « We believe that, above all, suppliers want to hear about the real issues facing their customers. "she adds.
Future Innovation Forum: AI, data and technological disruption
The second focus of the conference cycle is technological innovation. The Future Innovation Forum will feature talks on disruptive materials, advanced recycling systems, artificial intelligence and environmental data. An unprecedented partnership with Cactus, a structure that brings together players in the retail, This year's event, which will focus on the transformation of points of sale, pack personalization and the convergence between physical and digital.
" Our aim is to make these topics understandable, operational and immediately applicable to show visitors. »says Christelle Anya. Brands such as Rémy Cointreau, manufacturers such as Dassault, and start-ups such as Deepness, which analyzes 40 billion pieces of packaging waste to guide packaging design, will enrich these exchanges.
Paris as a stage for innovation pack
For several years now, Paris has been the scene of a profound transformation in cosmetics packaging. Centrality, accessibility, a wealth of exchanges: the French capital is a natural ecosystem to host this dynamic. « We've decided to take the visitor experience to the next level, both in terms of content and aesthetics. »says Christelle Anya. This involves improving the show's “look & feel”, the visitor pathways and the functionalities of the mobile application, available from the opening of the show.
This commitment to continuous improvement is underpinned by ongoing dialogue with the industry. « We move forward in consultation with our community, in a spirit of permanent co-construction. »reminds Noura Moussa.
A structure designed for meetings
While the content is dense, the show does not forget its social and relational dimension. On the eve of the show, a gala evening at the Place Vendôme will mark the launch of the festivities, with the presentation of the Innovation Awards. Over the two days, visitors will also find the networking areas that have made the show's reputation: champagne bar, cocktail bar, beer bar. These sponsored areas are designed to facilitate informal exchanges and extend the visitor's visit. « We're seeing a real buzz in the aisles. It's an energy we want to nurture and develop. »concludes Noura Moussa.
A recognised expert in sun protection, Sofia Cosmétiques has unveiled a transparent SPF 50 stick with a luminous finish that is easy to use and environmentally friendly. This innovation is the result of in-depth R&D work, a meticulous selection of ingredients, and a custom-designed industrial process.
A Heritage Player Driven by Innovation
Based in Carros for the past 35 years, Sofia Cosmétiques has built its reputation on eco-designed dermocosmetic and suncare products. The company has a staff of around 100, with 20% dedicated to R&D-an unusually high proportion for a contract manufacturer. “Today, research is at the heart of everything we do.” says Abir Attour, Sales Engineer. The company has made sun protection its specialty-a highly technical, tightly regulated and fiercely competitive segment. Since 2018, it has been leading the Lowtox program, which aims to formulate products that are safe for users and for aquatic environments. This project led to the development, in partnership with the University of Nice and the CNRS, of a non-destructive coral test, now commercialised by the start-up Innov&Sea.
A Breakthrough Galenic: The Transparent Sunscreen Stick
The latest embodiment of this strategy is a transparent SPF 50 sunscreen stick designed for on-the-go use and quick touch-ups, especially on the face. Compact, solid, and water-free, it combines effective protection with a pleasurable user experience.
Nicolas Delerce, Research & Development Director.
“This stick delivers a luminous, glowy flnish that is instantly appealing. It glides on smoothly, without white residue, and ensures optimal coverage,” notes Nicolas Delerce, R&D Director.
Unlike opaque sticks, this formula relies on specific raw materials that preserve transparency while maintaining solidity. “We optedfor non-polymeric viscosity agentsto avoid introducing microplastics,” he explains.
Deliberate and Documented Formulation Choices
Sofia Cosmétiques made the deliberate decision to use organic-rather than mineral-filters, following a scientific evaluation of their impact. “Contrary to commonbelief, titanium dioxide andzincoxide can have a higher environmental impact than certain chemical fllters. Our testing confirms that the selected organic fllters provide both skin safety and minimal disruption to marine ecosystems,” says Nicolas Delerce. Another key component of the formula is the inclusion of powerful antioxidants to counter residual oxidative stress. The stick features astaxanthin, a microalgae-derived extract that gives the product its subtle orange hue. “This active is 6,000 times more powerful than vitamin C. It complements sun protection by helping to prevent photoaging,” the R&D Director adds.
Measured Environmental Performance
The transparent stick's formula was tested using the protocol developed with Innov&Sea, allowing for impact assessment on coral without destroying samples. “This is our most environmentally friendly product to date. The results have exceeded our initial expectations,” says Nicolas Delerce proudly. These results validate the effectiveness of the organic filters + antioxidants duo, reinforcing the company's eco-responsible positioning.
An Industrial Challenge Met Through Collaboration
Christophe François, Industrial Director.
Turning the formula into a market-ready product required an overhaul of the industrial setup. "We had never produced sticks before. So we developed the entire process from hot-pouring to flnal packaging, working hand-in-hand with the R&D team,”explains Christophe François, Industrial Director. Initial steps involved adapting existing equipment for pilot runs and fine-tuning parameters such as melting tempe- rature, holding time, cooling, and production speed. Once validated, work began on building a dedicated line.
A Well-Managed Reorganisation
The production line upgrades were carried out without interrupting ongoing operations. “We implemented the changes in stages, maintaining throughput on existing lines while supporting our teams through the transition,” Christophe François notes. The new machine is due for delivery shortly. Early market feedback has already been encouraging: “Demand has exceeded our forecasts. The transparent stick is winning over consumers-and not just in the suncare category,” he adds.
Looking Beyond Suncare
Buoyed by this success, Sofia Cosmétiques is extending the technology to other solid formats: enriched serums, mosquito-repellent sticks, and urban skincare products.
“Solid cosmetics address several challenges:practicality, watersavings, reduced packaging weight. It's a direction we're committed to exploring further,” confirms Nicolas Delerce.
A Clear Mission
The transparent stick is not exclusive to any single customer-it's available to all the company's partners. “We want to make a product that's eflective, enjoyable, and responsible accessible to as many people as possible. It's a direct response to market demand,” concludes Abir Attour.
With its transparent sunscreen stick, Sofia Cosmétiques delivers a fully integrated innovation-bringing together formulation, environmental performance, industrialisation, and commercial strategy under a unified vision. The company demonstrates that technical excellence, user comfort, and ecological responsibility can go hand-in-hand-and paves the way for a new generation of solid cosmetics. ●
Sofia Cosmetics at a Glance Founded: 1989 Headquarters: Carros (Alpes-Maritimes, France) Workforce: 100 employees Revenue: €23 million Expertise: formulation, regulatory compliance, packaging, cosmetics manufacturing R&D allocation: 20% of staff
The emblematic Souffle Ambré fragrance by Reminiscence is back on the market. Recognizable for its oriental notes and long-lasting scent, it embodies the house's heritage and modernity.
Souffle Ambré, one of Réminiscence's iconic fragrances, returns in a relaunched version. Described as an ode to amber, this fragrance is distinguished by its construction around robust raw materials and an emotional trail. It combines fiery spices such as clove, renowned for its vibrant warmth, with the aromatic notes of geranium, creating an interesting tension at the start of the fragrance.
A rich, evocative composition
The fragrance's heart reveals an enveloping oriental character, designed to fuse with the skin. In the base note, amber, present in a resinous, almost hypnotic form, leaves a solar, intimate imprint. Linked to an approach that opposes mass-marketing trends, Souffle Ambré is described as a «statement fragrance» and aims to be uncompromising. « Souffle Ambré fully asserts its status as a statement fragrance. »underlines the company.
Designed and made in France, Souffle Ambré is presented as an Eau de Toilette Intense, available in 50 ml and 100 ml formats.
An invitation to rediscover
This fragrance is aimed at a public in search of a distinctive, emotionally-charged scent capable of reviving olfactory memories. Souffle Ambré promises to leave an unforgettable trail, and is now available in selective perfumeries and on the brand's official website.
The Beauty Leaders Summit, scheduled for May 6 and 7, 2026 in Paris, aims to bring together the leaders of the cosmetics industry for strategic discussions without commercial pressure.
In an industry with no shortage of events, the beauty sector faces a lack of time and space for sustainable decision-making. In an era of relentless launches and ever-changing consumer expectations, skincare leaders need to answer fundamental questions quickly: are they building the right products? Are they solving the right problems? Are they aligned between science, brand and operations? This is the gap that the Beauty Leaders Summit aims to fill.
Decision-focused discussions
Scheduled for May 6 and 7, 2026 in Paris, the Beauty Leaders Summit is a strategic event designed exclusively for skincare decision-makers. It's not about showcasing products or platforms, but about creating a forum to engage in meaningful peer-to-peer dialogue on the transforming forces in skincare. The summit encourages discussions on a variety of topics, such as the evolution of consumers' relationship with skincare and how brands establish their scientific credibility in a landscape of many claims.
A strategic setting in Paris
The decision to hold the summit in Paris was not an insignificant one, but a strategic one. As a global reference point for skincare, science and beauty culture, Paris provides an ideal setting for cross-fertilization between heritage and innovation. The event will focus on the fundamental priorities of sustainability and operational resilience. Discussions will also focus on the impact of supply chain decisions on brand confidence and long-term growth.
The summit format was designed to encourage exchanges, challenges and interaction between participants. By limiting the number of participants to around 150, the summit focuses on relevance rather than scale. Speakers, all from senior levels of beauty brands and related fields, will share their lived experience rather than rehearsed narratives.
Lush introduces amber glass jars to its range of facial cleansers, aiming to combine durability and formula protection for a new product identity.
Lush recently launched a new range of facial cleansers featuring amber glass jars, marking an important step in the evolution of its packaging. The decision to use amber glass as the main material is part of the company's drive to innovate and diversify its offering. Amber glass is appreciated for its ability to filter out ultraviolet radiation, thus preserving the stability of botanical active ingredients present in formulas, as the brand explains: « Our ambition is to leave the world better than we found it. "
A material with many advantages
The selection of amber glass is based on rigorous technical criteria. Not only is this material effective in protecting sensitive formulas, it is also less fragile thanks to the addition of iron oxide during production. What's more, Lush's glass jars are made in the UK from 56 % of recycled glass, underlining the company's commitment to recycling. The glass can be recycled almost indefinitely, making it easy for consumers to place it in recyclable waste. The polypropylene lid, on the other hand, although recycled, is not yet recyclable, a point on which Lush is actively working.
Commitments and initiatives
With this initiative, Lush hopes to meet sustainability requirements while offering real protection to its skincare formulas. Since its creation, the company has been committed to rethinking its environmental impact, through donations and actions in favor of various ecological causes.
The Group Mane announces the acquisition of ChemoSensoryx Biosciences, a Belgian company specializing in olfactory and gustatory receptors. This operation is designed to strengthen Mane's expertise in the field of flavors and fragrances.
The Mane Group confirms its commitment to innovation with the acquisition of ChemoSensoryx Biosciences. This Belgian biotech company stands out for its expertise in the study of olfactory, gustatory and trigeminal receptors. Samantha Mane, President of the Mane Group, comments: « With an experienced team of scientists with strong expertise in molecular and cellular biology, ChemoSensoryx is a leading research company in the field of olfactory, gustatory and trigeminal receptors. "
Background to the acquisition
This acquisition of ChemoSensoryx Biosciences will enable the Mane Group to deepen its understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in odor and taste perception. By integrating ChemoSensoryx's advanced research, the group hopes to develop flavor and fragrance solutions with greater precision, strengthening its ability to deliver unique sensory experiences to consumers. « We are delighted to welcome the ChemoSensoryx team to the Mane family. This acquisition will strengthen Mane's ability to provide evolving, global expertise in flavor and fragrance solutions, enabling the creation of successful, sustainable products», »adds Samantha Mane.
Support for sensory innovation
ChemoSensoryx Biosciences offers an innovative technology platform focused on receptor-based screening and predictive modeling. This approach will enable the group to support several key areas, including odor control, taste modulation and trigeminal receptors.
Act Beauty presents its new range of refillable sprays for on-the-go beauty practices. These devices combine aesthetics and functionality with an eco-responsible approach.
Act Beauty has developed a range of vaporizers in response to the new uses of on-the-go beauty. These compact, refillable formats are designed for easy refilling at home or at the point of sale. They blend discreetly into everyday life, offering a solution that is both durable and functional. Depending on the level of personalization, vaporizers become veritable jewelry objects, thanks to the addition of chains, buckles or pendants.
Design and materials
The design of the vaporizers is based on a balance between the choice of materials - metal and glass - and technical precision. These devices are designed to withstand repeated use, while offering high perceived quality. Filling systems guarantee simple, clean and safe use, an essential condition for efficient reuse. A multi-refill principle can be envisaged to offer greater versatility of use over time.
Versatile applications
Suitable for perfume, face, body and hair mists, as well as other cosmetic applications, Act Beauty's refillable sprays can be used in a variety of contexts: travel, retail events or loyalty schemes. They are an operational support for brands and a practical object for users. A major name in selective distribution has already adopted this product.
CSR commitments
Act Beauty's developments are part of a socially responsible approach, recognized by the EcoVadis Platinum evaluation (score of 99/100). This requirement also stems from the “bien faire” solution, which integrates a QR code providing access to clear, verifiable traceability of textile products.
French brand Moi Aussi has launched a new range of hand and nail care products for men, developed in collaboration with Fiabila.
In the men's cosmetics sector, traditionally focused on the face and grooming, Moi Aussi is setting itself apart by introducing treatments specifically dedicated to men's hands and nails. This initiative responds to a growing demand for solutions tailored to the specific needs of men's skin.
A collaboration with Fiabila
To develop this range, Moi Aussi teamed up with Fiabila. As a result, two treatments were formulated: Soin Réparateur, which offers protection for cuticles and sensitive areas, and Soin Cure, the first invisible «liquid buffer» on the market. The latter is designed to strengthen the nail while guaranteeing a natural finish.
Innovative varnishes
A collection of six nail polishes has also been launched. Formulated with 83.5 % biobased ingredients and no petrochemical solvent odors, these polishes combine naturalness and performance. Each shade in this collection evokes an element evocative of nature, and offers a discreet way of personal expression.
" With Moi Aussi, we're not looking to create yet another product, but to legitimize a gesture that has long been sidelined. Hand care becomes an act of well-being, self-expression and self-recognition. »explains Fadi Mroueh, founder of Moi Aussi. This approach illustrates how hand care can contribute to a better self-image for men, while breaking down the taboos associated with these practices.
The products, made in France, reflect a commitment to safety and quality, while offering a modernized vision of authentic, assertive men's skin care.
Brenntag Specialties Beauty & Personal Care unveils its latest innovations at Cosmet'Agora 2026, highlighting the alliance between the elegance of the 1950s and the contemporary demands of cosmetic formulations.
Brenntag Specialties Beauty & Personal Care invites its customers and partners to join it at the Cosmet'Agora 2026 event, to be held on January 13 and 14 at the Espace Champerret in Paris. At stand 164-165, the theme «Beauty reinvented - from the 1950s to the future» highlights the charm of the past, while meeting the expectations of a modern world focused on performance and sensoriality.
Innovations to discover
Among the concepts presented, an oily gel for sun care is particularly eye-catching. This product, which has a gentle effect on the skin, offers an elegant sensorial experience thanks to a formulation based on a limited number of carefully selected ingredients. This minimalist approach demonstrates that it is possible to combine skin comfort with compliance with contemporary sun protection standards.
The Brenntag stand will also showcase various formulation ideas and the latest ingredient solutions, including smart biopolymers and new texture enhancers, aimed at high-performance formulations offering an excellent sensory experience. « These innovative concepts and ingredients provide new inspiration for formulators seeking to combine timeless charm with the expectations of today's consumers, »says Sandra Pralong, Sales Manager for France and Benelux.
Committed to the future
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore marketing concepts, textures and ingredient innovations that celebrate creativity and practicality in various beauty segments. This event represents a key milestone for Brenntag, aiming to strengthen its role in the cosmetics industry by responding to growing demands for responsible innovation and sustainability.
