LYRA MAG.

While a lot has been buzzed about J beauty (Japan)---it's  the bio based ingredients-with 'natural' sustainably sourced-that really stood out for us. via GIPHY Evonik -a fav destination at these cosmetic-skincare-haircare  supplier shows-with the coolest samples of new ingredient loaded products...is really branching out in an interesting way. They should launch their own direct to consumer company. WHAT: "The fusion of ancient wisdom and advanced technology" is their MO-for the newish Evonik Advanced Botanicals division.   "In-vitro-cultivation"-inspired by traditional Ayurvedic medicine-inspired the types of plants  grown in controlled (indoor) environments in France-that reminded us of urban farming at its best-no pesticides, herbicides, or GMO anything,  needed. Or deforestation-aka social exploitation. The first product form Evonik Advanced Botanicals  is NeoPlanta® Withania-an urban pollution fighter-balancing skin serum-that's vegan...

Suppliers' Day SUNSCREENS Nature inspired science to renew and protect the human body's biggest organ... was the dominant theme for skincare ingredient companies. As big users of physical sunblocks (a laymen's term)-we noticed quite a few enhanced zinc oxide and titanium oxide -aka inorganic ingredients-amped up with "actives" Mineral sunscreens- notably are  tested and labelled correctly - for all the different global requirements (like FDA Category 1 Sunscreens) . The big deal breakthroughs: environmentally safer, added protection vs blue light + infrared rays, non-irritating, and imo-better efficacy- longer lasting (our experience)-than toxic chemical equivalents and formulations. (Cue the power of  the EWG ). AND physical sunblocks don't leave a white pasty film-making them suitable for more skin tones...and aren't as pricey vs those nasty chemical sunscreens-anymore. NEWer Ingredients: KOBO 's - four in one multi-purpose sunscreen ...

Suppliers' Day-Javits 'Cleaner" HAIR HELP-Proven Efficacy: Humans have been trying to 'tame' their tresses for decades (centuries) with toxic (really) chemicals, hair tools -and/or natural butters + oils to eliminate frizz and straighten out hair follicles not born that way. via GIPHY Though  'clean' beauty silicone subs seem to be offered up by several companies (see examples below)---...Sensient Cosmetic Technologies new Sensityle® Curl relaxer -billed as a "...natural and effective hair relaxing technology..." really caught our eyeballs as super unique . WHAT IT IS: Explained  with a backstory first: The idea for this new (November '18) product treatment -was inspired by meat tenderizers . AS IN-the powdery stuff shaken on meat to make it more tender-made of pineapple and papaya -two fruits also hailed for their anti-inflammatory properties (Bromelain + Papain)... with hydrolyzed yeast proteins=leading to   Sensityle® Curl r...

THE LATEST ingredients ready for time prime+placement. PART ONE Javits Center- NY Society of Chemists SUPPLIERS DAY-is a mob packed annual affair that shows off the possibilities of wellness-self-care via rows of global living exhibitors with the products sourced from nature, man-made and importantly- scientifically verifie d . (Irrespective of our FDA not regulating cosmetic ingredients much ...vs say, OTC drugs  which includes sunscreens/blocks  -prescription drugs-devices). Accordingly - there wasn't much CBD anything lining these aisles beyond a few hemp oil purveyors . HA! Taking a few hours to walk the show-we noticed a slew of interesting formulations and present day concern solutions including: Protection solutions from Bluelight (the light emitted from smartphones, computer screens) and -Infrared Light (half the solar energy that damages skin falls under THAT spectrum-the other half is UVA-UVB radiation)-notably made from large cell titanium dioxide, new n...

Plus Home Scent Inspirations... Part 3 Some Themes from NYSCC Suppliers Day(s) Sustainable Sourcing-Of Nature Akin to the food industry-consumer demands for supply chain transparency, fair labor wages + eliminating child labor, earth concerns and production realities on the finite supplies from Mother Nature (aka major CPG cocoa sourcing initiatives )... KUNCAI -conjures up a synthetic MICA for "effect pigment end use" vs destroying the earth (Brazil, India) and lives by mining for it -to supply shiny metallics for industries varying from cosmetic s (mica-pearlescence qualities- is a staple ingredient in 'natural'mineral based makeup)--to automobile industry's car paints. That big crystal looking MICA is synthetic!!!!   Many companies-claimed ethical sourcing methods...like pictured above, Sudarshan    Ironic that mineral makeup which is booming demand -for its natural composition...can be sourced toxically-tragically, fatally.  Essenti...

PART ONE: Some the latest ingredients and trends in skincare, healthy hair and best beauty bets-from the NY Society of Cosmetic Chemists (Javits Convention Center) + Halo by Sciton , Alastin, GlamSquad NY Media Presentation   It's always interesting (to us)...to reflect back on what's remembered from the slew of information and new products soaked up at  NYSCC Supplier Days.  Attended by loads of skincare+ cosmetic brands looking for the next 'it' ingredients, this two day affair gets very little mainstream press-but imo-is a good indicator of current trends and future skin/hair/beauty biz products.  via GIPHY And the major issues of companies- including regulations/compliances Therefore- standing out the most -was learning that not only does the FDA practically do zilch with regards to banning chemicals in the afore mentioned cosmetic product categories...(10 vs EU's ban of  1700 chemicals plus-and another 100 or so not yet reviewed chemi...