Comments by a Chemist

Reflections on 2024 and a Thoughtful Vision for 2025

As we move into 2025, it’s an opportunity to thoughtfully reflect on the changes we have seen over the past year and to explore the purposeful trends shaping the future. At pH Factor, we’re proud to support indie brands in navigating these shifts, helping them bring their unique visions to life through development, formulation, and meaningful innovation.   2024: A Year of Collaboration and Thoughtful Progress  The past year was not defined by flashy promises or radical disruptions. Instead, it was a period of steady, thoughtful progress driven by a growing commitment to wellness, sustainability, and purposeful ingredient development.   Gentler Alternatives: Natural alternatives

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Reflecting on 2024: Key Trends, Insights, and Innovations in the Personal Care and Beauty Industry

I would like to share a special recap of the HPC Magazines over the year that was …. 2024. The magazines showed a collection of insights, trends, and breakthroughs that have shaped the personal care and beauty industry. From ingredient innovations and formulation tips to global regulatory updates and business strategies, these resources have been invaluable for staying ahead and planning for success.   Highlights from Our 2024 Editions  This year, we published 5 in-depth magazines, each featuring around 100 pages of expert knowledge, innovation, and practical advice. Here’s a quick look back at the key themes we covered: January:

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Azelaic Acid…A Multifunctional Ingredient in Skincare Formulations

Azelaic acid is such an amazing multifunctional ingredient in skincare formulations. It offers a safe, stable, and versatile option for formulators. Its multi-functional properties have made it an essential ingredient for addressing various skin concerns, especially in gentle and effective formulations targeting sensitive and acne-prone skin. Some current products on the market that use Azelaic Acid NATURIUM – Azelaic Topical Acid 10% Claims: help improve the appearance of skin tone, for brighter-looking skin. Active: Azelaic Acid Derivative – Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate More Info: https://naturium.com.au/products/azelaic-topical-acid-10 EGO  – Azclear Action Medicated Lotion Claims: attacks pimples by fighting bacteria and unblocking the oil

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Navigating the New Sunscreen Standards: A Closer Look at AS/NZS 2604:2021

In December 2022, Standards Australia introduced the Australian/New Zealand Standard: Sunscreen Products – Evaluation and Classification (AS/NZS 2604:2021). This updated standard is set to bring significant changes in the sunscreen industry, promising enhanced protection and safety for consumers. Here’s a detailed exploration of what these changes entail and how they might impact both consumers and manufacturers. Why Update the Sunscreen Standard? Australia has some of the highest skin cancer rates globally, a concerning statistic driven by intense ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. Effective sunscreens are crucial in mitigating skin cancer risks. The updated AS/NZS 2604:2021 aims to ensure that sunscreens available

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3 Essential Steps to Build Brand Trust with Your Customers

In today’s competitive skincare market, establishing and maintaining trust with your customers is crucial for sustained business success. Trust doesn’t just foster loyalty; it turns satisfied customers into true advocates for your brand. This is particularly important in an industry where products significantly affect users’ wellbeing and self-esteem. Here, we delve into three essential steps that skincare companies can take to build and strengthen brand trust. 1/  Gain a Deep Understanding of the Skincare Products You Are Creating Knowledge is power, particularly when it comes to formulating skincare products. For instance, if you are developing a product with Vitamin C,

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