Do you struggle with short or sparse lashes? You’ve got good company. If eyes make the windows to the soul, lashes grace them as curtains, and everyone wants theirs full and fluttery. Following this longing, lash care has undergone a complete transformation over the last decade. From salon extensions to at-home serums, the options continue to expand. Even Maybelline, the global brand known for mascaras, launched a dedicated site for lash-lengthening tips. TikTok offers plenty of DIY lash videos and quick-fix tutorials. Long, thick lashes help eyes look brighter and more defined. Lacking the natural blessing of volume? Explore the latest trends, tools, and tricks to achieve the lashes of your dreams.

Consider lash shampoo

Lash lift, tint & extensions

Looking to save time in your morning routine? Lash lifts and tints have evolved into a celebrity favorite for good reason. These treatments provide lashes with volume and definition, eliminating the need for extensions or mascara. A gentle solution with active ingredients lifts, curls, and darkens your natural lashes. The best part? You wake up with ready-to-go lashes—no touch-ups required.

The latest variation, the Korean Lash Lift, offers a softer, more mindful approach. It uses a gentler formula that relaxes the lashes, making them easier to shape. We’ve counted nearly 20 styles to choose from, ranging from dramatic upward curls to subtle natural bends. Some even curve slightly downward for the popular “puppy eyes” effect seen in Korea and Japan. The treatment typically lasts about 90 minutes and costs between $75 and USD 150. Curl results last up to eight weeks, while the tint gradually fades after three.

Innovative hacks and mascara formulas

BeautyTok shines a spotlight on underlash, now a go-to technique for enhancing lashes. This method places false lashes beneath natural ones, creating a lifted, more seamless look. Ardell Lashes joins the trend with the Wispies Underlash Kit, featuring 36 segments in four lengths. The set also includes Black Bond, Clear Seal, Remover, and an applicator.

Kiss Falscara, boosted by TikTok and supermodel Paulina Porizkova, delivers lash extension results without the need for a salon visit. On the other hand, natural lashes take center stage—lash trend forecasts for 2025 highlight soft, brown tones. ILIA meets the moment with Limitless Lash Mascara in Before Dawn, a warm brown shade.

Too Faced pushes mascara innovation further. After a 12-year gap since Better Than Sex, the brand launches Ribbon Wrapped Lash Mascara, featuring tubing tech and a molded brush for clean, defined length.

Looking ahead

Lash trends continue to evolve, and consumers are seeking more than bold volume. In a June webinar, SPATE and Beautystreams spotlighted the rise of “no glue” lashes, like sticky strips and magnetic options. Minimal, natural-looking lashes are also gaining popularity. At the same time, the demand is growing for healthier, eye-safe formulas that deliver the full performance.

Symrise continues to push lash care forward with SymLash^® XTreme., an updated formula built on trusted technology. In clinical testing, participants saw up to a 35% increase in lash density after six weeks. The formula supports fuller-looking lashes by nourishing follicles and encouraging natural growth. Its liquid format works well in eyeliners, serums, and brow products—making it easy to add to everyday routines.From minimalist looks to bold DIY styles, the lash space continues to evolve. As beauty routines shift toward smarter, gentler options, the focus turns to innovation that delivers both care and performance—no glue required.

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Dryness, redness, breakouts—sound familiar? You’ve good company. According to market studies 71% of people worldwide claim to experience sensitive skin. A central review of 26 studies across 18 countries confirms this. The upside? More people are paying attention. From the UK to Japan, there’s growing awareness of what skin needs.

Pollution, stress, hormones, and urban living push skin to its limit. This leads to a clear response. Consumers are searching for sensitive skin solutions, dermatologically tested products, and those that feature free-from claims. Sensitive skin today means finding suitable care options. Current solutions combine nature and science. They can help calm, protect, and restore balance. Your skin can thrive with proper support. Read on to explore ingredients promising help.

Bisabolol & ginger provide calming relief

Have you heard of bisabolol? Meet the skin-soothing secret enriching your routine. Derived from chamomile, this calming ingredient promises anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant benefits. Think reduced redness, soothed sensitivity, and stronger skin health. Bisabolol can help strengthen the skin barrier, essential for locking in moisture and blocking daily stressors.

Top brands embrace bisabolol. Paula’s Choice, with headquarters in Seattle and hubs in Singapore, the Netherlands, and South Korea, highlights it throughout their lineup. Cetaphil®, a leader in sensitive skincare, includes this colorless, viscous oil, naturally sourced or synthetically made, across multiple formulas. Formulated with dermatological experts, Cetaphil® products are optimized to protect against the five signs of sensitive skin, backed by clinical studies worldwide on more than 30,000 subjects with sensitive skin. Cetaphil® recently launched a YouTube video: “Cetaphil Skin Care – For Everyone’s Sensitive Skin.” This versatile ingredient can go into cleansers, serums, facial masks, eye creams, and sunscreens!

Another key ancient ingredient said to deliver calming properties, ginger contains known ingredients for skin care. Skip the raw application—ginger offers support when blended into a soothing formula like Innisfree’s Nourishing Cream with Ginger Honey. This rich cream is packed with honey and ginger and shall provide a comforting, skin-loving boost.

For a DIY approach, how about whipping up a biweekly mask of equal parts grated or powdered ginger, honey, and fresh lemon juice. Leave on for 30 minutes, and rinse to reveal well-cared-for skin. You can also boil the same three ingredients to create a stomach-soothing tea because the gut-to-skin connection is said to run deep!

Symrise introduces SymRelief^® green

Symrise has proudly introduced SymRelief^® green—a next-generation, natural-origin solution for intensive skin soothing. This powerful blend combines biotechnology-derived bisabolol with organic ginger extract, expanding Symrise’s natural, calming skincare expertise.

Backed by 70 years of bisabolol expertise, SymRelief^® green uses an optimized ratio of bisabolol and ginger extract. The result? A more effective solution than bisabolol alone in several key areas. This patented, synergistic blend targets multiple root causes of hypersensitivity. It helps prevent inflammation, protects collagen, and supports skin structure, delivering visible and deep relief for sensitive skin.

As demand for holistic, skin-soothing solutions rises, SymRelief^® green sets a new standard in advanced, natural care.

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Soap may seem like an everyday staple. We find its story particularly remarkable. With roots stretching back thousands of years, soap has served as so much more than a mere tool for cleanliness. It symbolized luxury, art, and culture. From ancient Babylon to modern Paris, soap can do more for you than washing. It connects to the past, indulges in beauty, and transforms a daily ritual into something functional and profound. Read on to look at how this modest bar has evolved into something truly everlasting.

Ancient wisdom: soap’s beginnings and enduring methods

Has hygiene become an obsession in modern times? Quite the contrary. Soap-making spans nearly 5,000 years, connecting us to a rich historical tradition. Archaeologists have found traces of soap in ancient Babylonian clay artifacts, complete with recipes etched into the surface. In Aleppo, artisans crafted their version by blending olive oil, laurel berry oil, and lye and cooling it underground into avocado-green sheets. Remarkably, we still use this method today, a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient wisdom.

Legend even links Cleopatra to the legacy of Aleppo soap, with stories of the Egyptian queen bathing in milk and using the olive oil blend to nourish her skin. Fast-forward to 13^th-century Florence, where Santa Maria Novella, the world’s oldest pharmacy, began as a convent where Dominican monks hand-crafted remedies and soaps using natural ingredients. They produced creations like buttery milk soaps, a tradition that continues today. Infused with patchouli, verbena, or left neutral, these luxurious bars combine ancient monastic craftsmanship with timeless elegance. Experience the legacy of Santa Maria Novella at boutiques in Seoul, Sydney, Miami, or Bangkok, or order online to enjoy this Florentine heritage at home. Their luxurious creations also make perfect gifts for any occasion!

Nostalgia and luxury: soap in the 20th century 

The mid-20^th century brought soap into the cultural spotlight in surprising ways, sparking nostalgia and appreciation for its influence. Brands like Pears and Cussons sponsored radio and TV programs, giving rise to the term “soap operas.” Even the world of high fashion took note—when photographer Cecil Beaton was asked to define elegance, he replied without hesitation: “Soap and water!” It’s easy to imagine Beaton’s muses—Maria Callas, Barbra Streisand, or Baroness Fiona Thyssen-Bornemisza—relaxing after a long day with a rose-scented Dior soap bar. Dior continues this legacy today with its Prestige Le Savon line, a reimagined nod to mid-century luxury.

Around the same time, Diptyque began elevating soap to an art form. Their smooth, glossy bars, embossed with elegant typography, look almost too beautiful to use. Watching the lettering fade with each wash feels bittersweet and poetic—a reminder of life’s fleeting beauty.

Meanwhile, Yardley of London emerged as a quintessential symbol of British refinement. Famous for their lavender soap, Yardley became synonymous with sophistication, gracing the vanities of post-war households. The brand’s floral-scented bars and elegant packaging reflected an enduring charm that bridged nostalgia and modernity. 

Modern artistry: design and functionality in soap 

In recent years, soap has seen a renaissance as a functional product and a design statement, intriguing and appreciative of its versatility. Even artists have explored its potential. In Thomas Barnthaler’s 2015 book Do It Yourself: 50 Projects by Designers and Artists, John Baldessari provided instructions on soap carving in a work titled A Large Piece of Soap Becomes a Small Piece of Soap Eventually. His playful approach reflects the ephemeral nature of soap while elevating it to an art form.

At Salone del Mobile 2024 in Milan, architect Nicolas Schuybroek collaborated with Aesop to create an installation called Form Follows Formulation. Using Aesop’s cleansing slabs as building blocks, Schuybroek crafted a monolithic structure that celebrated simplicity and elegance.

Fashion brands have also embraced soap’s artistic side. Loewe’s Scent of Marihuana bar, for instance, pairs exfoliating red algae with a soothing sativa aroma, complete with a linen rope for decorative display. Meanwhile, French brand Provendi has reimagined wall-mounted soaps as rotating sculptures, combining charm with practicality.

From ancient traditions to modern reinvention, soap transcends serving as a mere cleanser. We marvel at it as a piece of history, a canvas for artistry, and a small luxury that enriches daily life. Symrise, too, drives innovation in the soap category—explore the latest breakthroughs here. Next time you lather up, pause to appreciate its journey, craftsmanship, and the simple joy it brings. While soap may vanish with each use, its allure and impact remain timeless.

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We have entered 2025, and food has evolved into so much more than what we eat—it’s become a lifestyle, an art form, and, for some, a status symbol! Gone are the days when meals just meant nutrition or comfort. Today, every bite, sip, and snack tells a story about who we are, what we value, and how we lead our lives.

Food now stars in the stories we tell about ourselves. Scroll through Instagram, and you’ll see it everywhere: from London’s @laurakhoshaba, who documents Harrods’ decadent food halls, to the US duo @sistersnacking, sampling jaw-dropping $227 Ballerina Farm pastries. These meals mean so much more than just food. They are forming memory-making moments! They’re aspirational, meticulously curated, and almost too beautiful to eat.

Even the once-humble chicken salad has experienced rebranding. Bethenny Frankel, the mastermind behind Skinnygirl, has made a project to critique this staple’s “elite” versions, diving into the fine line between simple and special. Meanwhile, everyday people are finding ways to elevate their daily meals. Office workers like @jensintec and @MeganKittyEats turn their cafeteria spreads into envy-inducing reels, while college student @gliocius transforms basic campus fare into culinary inspiration. This conveys a clear message: food serves as your canvas no matter who you are!

Erewhon: where groceries become couture

If one brand captures the spirit of food as status, then we need to talk about Erewhon. This LA-based luxury grocery chain has redefined what it means to shop for groceries. A $20 smoothie here would feel neglected if you called it a drink. It offers you a badge of belonging to a particular lifestyle. With sleek stores, meticulously curated products, and an Instagram aesthetic that screams exclusivity, Erewhon has created a place where shopping feels like an event. Even the grocer’s kraft paper tote bags have achieved cult status, becoming so coveted they’re resold on eBay and inspiring chic, eco-friendly reusable versions—reminiscent of Trader Joe’s reusable mini tote bags, which have gained similar notoriety for their practicality and collectible charm.

Surprisingly, Erewhon’s revenue per square foot achieves four times the amount of the grocery industry average. People are buying so much more than groceries. They’re buying into a story, a vibe, a community. Across the pond, the Delli app channels a similar energy, connecting people with boutique food makers and artisan brands. These platforms blur the line between food and fashion—turning dinner into a deliberate act of self-expression.

When fashion and food melt together

Luxury brands have noticed this cultural shift and are leaning into it. Louis Vuitton’s chocolate boutiques in Paris, Shanghai, and Singapore have made chocolate as desirable as their iconic handbags. Collaborations like Michael Kors x BAsDBAN or Miss Dior x Grid Coffee infuse culinary moments with high-fashion flair. Loewe’s heirloom tomato bag—a quirky and coveted accessory—proves that even vegetables can become part of a style statement.

And then let’s talk about the artistry. French floral designer @glenn.arvor adds fresh produce to his stunning arrangements, creating pieces that feel alive, organic, and earthy. New Zealand’s Amy Yip turns cakes into sculptures that look more at home in a gallery than a dessert table. Meanwhile, Japan’s @ika_miniature takes “tiny food” to new heights, crafting intricate replicas that make you pause and marvel. These playful trends remind us that food can move, surprise, and deeply connect us.

Why food matters more than ever

This obsession with food offers valuable extras to aesthetics and indulgence. It creates a connection. Food has become a way to ground ourselves in a volatile world. Whether you buy yourselves a $20 Erewhon smoothie or a homemade tomato salad, something feels comforting about the shared rituals of eating, celebrating, and creating.

This also happens with the recent rise of vegetable-inspired fragrances (tomato leaf, anyone?), which echo a similar longing for natural, nostalgic, and unexpected pleasures. Food and fragrance are merging, breaking boundaries to offer fresh ways to share our stories and connect. As food evolves into art and identity, what you put on your plate may rival what you put in your closet or on your wrist. The meals we share and the treats we post are delicious—and a way to define ourselves! Let us know about your favorite snack or meal to share with friends. Comment below! 

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Cue the evolution of quiet luxury

Who could have predicted this bold shift? The signs for brown’s meteoric rise were there if you were watching. From paint companies’ palettes to LA-based interior designer Kelly Wearstler’s bronze wonderland Instagram, the glamification of brown signaled the next phase of quiet luxury. Pantone’s Mocha Mousse offers the second food-themed color of the year in a row — and the first time since revealing a color of the year 25 years ago that a shade of brown was chosen. Media outlets have compared the color to natural elements and “little treat culture.” Pantone says the color intends to represent the zeitgeist, playing on a “desire for comfort” and a “growing movement to align ourselves with the natural world.” Read on for ways to envelop ourselves in this cozy, welcoming color, from home to apparel!

Brown shades at home

Paint offers one of the easiest ways to embrace this new neutral. In April, Little Greene launched a range of brown hues, including a decadent chocolate called Ganache. The capsule, inspired by treats like madeleines and affogato, draws from the walls, woodwork, and furniture of historic UK properties. Simultaneously, Farrow & Ball began showing a palette dominated by various browns, including Broccoli Brown and Cardamom. In October, Benjamin Moore revealed Cinnamon Slate as their 2025 Color of the Year, emphasizing balance, reassurance, and restoration at home. Following Pantone’s announcement, BEHR Paint responded with a playful TikTok: “Mocha mousse, meet cocoa nutmeg.”

Color – an international language

Sabrina Carpenter’s song of the summer Espresso summed things up even better than the now sold-out Norma Kamali swimsuit she wears in the video. Bella Hadid’s sheer Saint Laurent gown at Cannes came in café au lait, while at Vogue’s Wimbledon party, model Alva Claire arrived in a brown Ralph Lauren tank dress. Ryan Gosling has long been a fan of tobacco tailoring. Anti-tech, from paint choices to catwalks, brown can be seen as the color du jour. Brands like Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu, JW Anderson, and Chloé embraced some variation, inspiring a 1,000% increase in searches for chocolate brown on the shopping platform LTK this past November. Pantone will take Mocha Mousse on a celebratory international tour, stopping in London, New York, Shanghai, and Mumbai. Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, Laurie Pressman, says, “It’s emblematic of a snapshot in time, and it’s giving people what they feel they need — that color can hope to answer,” Pressman said. “It’s us taking the temperature: What’s taking place in the world around us, and how does that get expressed into the language of color?”

Versatile for beauty & hair

According to Pantone, this soft brown suits various skin tones across various undertones and is a perfect foil for packaging. Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse is a versatile shade, blending seamlessly with other colors and serving as an ideal base for metallic gloss finishes. Juvia’s Place, an inclusive beauty brand, recently debuted The Coffee Shop Collection, with a glam brown eyeshadow palette and flattering lip glosses and liners. The day the Pantone announcement was made, many were inspired to take the rich hair color route!

Mocha mousse merch

Pantone’s Instagram promotes the new shade while adding momentum to products, including Limited Edition Mugs, Cortado, and Espresso Cups. While Pantone can’t copyright “light brown,” they have partnered with companies like Motorola and makeup subscription service Ipsy to create products in color. Speaking of, if you search Arket, “brown” reaps plenty of decadent apparel options! You can also check out British brand Tove’s cult Joni bodysuit and cinnamon tanks.

Symrise has been following the food-color connection, and according to those in the know, brown will continue to be a warm-weather hit. In the comments below, let us know your favorite way to indulge in Mocha Mousse!

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Men and young men embrace new options

This International Men’s Day, let’s celebrate the strides toward mental well-being, health, and equality by recognizing the powerful shift in men’s self-care. Once limited by societal stereotypes, men today embrace skincare, grooming, and self-care routines to boost mental health and overall well-being. With Gen Z challenging outdated norms, the beauty and self-care industries have taken notice, designing products that align with men’s needs and preferences. This move toward inclusivity supports mental health and self-esteem for men, encouraging a balanced approach to gender equality. Additionally, as global brands innovate with sustainability and natural ingredients, men get empowered to make mindful choices for their health and the planet.

Men also are now searching for skincare products that truly meet their needs. This might mean a refreshing face wash to jumpstart the day, a hydrating moisturizer for a healthy glow, or a powerful sunscreen to guard against environmental stressors. Social media is buzzing with men sharing their skincare stories, product tips, and self-care routines. These posts build community and inspire others to begin their journeys.

The numbers say it all: the global men’s skincare and beauty market is expected to grow by 3% CAGR (6% in current terms) from 2023 to 2028. Ready to dive into the latest trends and innovations redefining men’s skincare? Keep reading!

Prioritizing concerns

According to research firm Euromonitor, blackheads, wrinkles, and blemish/acne-prone are leading skin concerns across male generations globally. Skin sensitivity has also become a top concern, climbing slightly among Gen X and Baby Boomers compared to a year prior. Aligning with aging concerns, in 2023, over 40% of male consumers reported using day/night-specific cream, moisturizer, or lotion more than any other product. French-rooted La Roche-Posay highlights critical features in their Toleriane (sensitive skin) lines for specialty care and the benefits of thermal spring water. In addition to promoting smooth skin, the water combines minerals and antioxidants, such as selenium. This blend supports mild formulas for eczema, dryness, and acne-prone skin conditions.

#SoftMasculinity

WGSN, the global trend authority, is spotlighting #SoftMasculinity. Male grooming is booming as men expand their routines beyond basics like moisturizer and beard care. Now, they’re branching into products like concealer, nail varnish, and “feel-good” beauty items.

Google Trends reveals a striking surge in interest. Searches for “men’s beauty” jumped by 37 percentage points, and “men’s skincare” spiked by 61 points. Surprisingly, “men’s beauty advent calendar” has also become a top search on both Google and Amazon, hinting at a festive focus on self-care.

The trend of “Bathscaping” is also taking off. UK-based brand Baz & Co. is leading the way with skin-loving soaps, shower gels, body lotions, and oils—all designed to elevate self-care and relaxation.

Celebrity and social media led

Have you ever splurged on skin care because of TikTok trends or the buzz around celebrity brands? According to the Retail Intelligence Platform EDITED, younger men get especially drawn in by “Get Ready With Me” videos and the worldwide influence of social media. An impressive 89% of hashtag viewers are 18-24 years old. Now, independent brands are leading the way—from BL+’s potent serums to Lumin‘s custom grooming kits—appealing to those with a keen eye for physical health.

Australian brand Patricks has elevated skincare, displaying products alongside luxury items like sneakers and watches, making self-care aspirational. Pharrell Williams’ Humanrace has even partnered with Adidas, connecting skincare to the streetwear scene. His three-step routine—featuring the Rice Powder Cleanser, Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator, and Humidifying Cream—takes only three minutes morning and night. It sets the stage for glowing, healthy skin.

The appeal of celebrity-backed skincare is rising. Euromonitor found that 6% of male consumers now seek celeb-endorsed skincare, up by 3% since 2022. Recent star-studded launches include Domaine by Brad Pitt, Loved01 from John Legend, and Papatui by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, featuring clean-ingredient formulas for everything from skincare to tattoo care. Idris Elba’s S’able Labs and Harry Styles’  Pleasing, with playful beauty and nail products, continue to capture the Gen Z spotlight.

Symrise is talking directly to the fellas on Instagram, spotlighting a treasure trove of cutting-edge ingredients powering the future of skincare. From Supervisome EPH, which protects against daily stressors and pollution, to Hydroviton^® Insta, locking in moisture for that smooth finish, and Neo Heliopan^® UV filters, shielding skin from intense UV rays—these innovations are shaping the way forward. Dive into more about these ingredients at Symselect.com. Which ingredients would you consider your go-to for targeted skincare needs? Whether you go for condition-focused solutions, science-backed formulations, inclusive marketing, or routines tailored to each generation, comment below on your picks!

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Consumers drive the shift to sustainable packaging 

Are you rethinking how you dispose of packaging—composting or choosing eco-friendly alternatives? You’ve got good company. As consumer demand for greener choices grows, the beauty industry responds with innovative solutions like waterless products and dissolvable packaging. A recent McKinsey & Company survey across 11 countries highlights this shift, with 69% of consumers ranking compostable packaging as their top choice. Plant-based materials and renewable plastic films also scored high, while paper packaging trended in India and the UK.

Interestingly, Japanese consumers favored recycled plastics as much as compostable options. The least preferred materials included metal containers, multi-material packaging, and aluminum foil. The survey also found that 60–70% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, and over half would buy more if these options would cost the same.

Growing and expanding opportunity

Trend forecaster WGSN predicts a surge in no-trace and minimal-impact beauty products, pushing single-use formats toward sustainability. To make this a reality, they stress the importance of materials and formulas that treat marine and land ecosystems with care. Think dissolvable, compostable, and biodegradable options that make disposal a breeze. Waterless solutions like powders and solids also gain traction, offering longer shelf life and improved hygiene. Having tracked these trends for a while, WGSN’s “Designed to Disappear” has set out to become a hot topic for 2026. Curious about the products you can invest in right now? Keep reading!

Next-gen future of beauty

Let’s explore some innovative cleansing basics, starting with Melbourne-based  Conserving Beauty dissolvable Micellar Oil Cleansing Wipes. These hygienic 2-in-1 oil cleansers and makeup removers effectively dissolve makeup and SPF while moisturizing and protecting the skin barrier. Say goodbye to bacteria-laden washroom towels—these wipes dissolve in water after use and come in compostable, plastic-free packaging.

For haircare, Kitsch’s Rice Bar Shampoo and Conditioner Bars offer 100% compostable, zero-impact, and plastic-free options. After months of research, they packed luxury salon-quality ingredients into convenient, travel-friendly bars. Meanwhile, UK-based Sbtrct has introduced the world’s first solid retinoid. Their Granactive Retinoid at 2% works with Squalane to even skin tone, improve texture, and reduce fine lines, all with less irritation.

South Africa’s Skoon takes a different approach with their waterless NanoPillow serums, which transform into liquid when activated by a face mist. Consumers are increasingly drawn to ‘naked’ products with minimal packaging to eliminate excess. Lush continues to lead this ‘no-trace’ mission, as seen in their “Desert Island” video. Their latest innovation, Naked Mascara, features a tube-shaped solid butter and wax formula available in four colors with reusable wands. Lush is paving the way for the future of beauty by avoiding traditional plastic tubes.

For color cosmetics, Alima Pure offers refillable, waterless products. Since 2008, they’ve operated carbon-neutral by offsetting 100% of their corporate carbon emissions through the Carbon Fund. Also, they are participating in the Green Source Renewable Power Program, sourcing energy from solar, wind, biomass, hydro, and geothermal.

Addressing a significant sustainability concern, Fluu has reinvented menstrual pads with their Flushtec technology, transforming pads into plant fibers. This provides a guilt-free alternative to plastic-filled period care that won’t end up in landfills.

Check out the Zero Waste Store for a full range of beauty and lifestyle products that embrace this disappearing act. As a company dedicated to sustainable innovations, Symrise has followed the ” traceless beauty” trend we covered on our blog last year. Share your favorite forward-thinking beauty brands and solutions below!

As a company focused on sustainable innovations, Symrise has been following developments in net zero packaging and covered the topic on the blog last year. Weigh in below on your favorite forward-thinking beauty brands and solutions!

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Combined symbolism and usefulness

Last autumn season highlighted ‘Apples: an autumnal wonder.’ 2024 celebrates pomegranates, also known as ‘the seeded apples.’ Interestingly, these two fruits often appear together and share a rich history of symbolic and mythological associations. Historians believe the pomegranate originated in Afghanistan and Iran before spreading to other parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe through trade and export. The pomegranate belongs to the “seven kinds” mentioned in Scripture, closely associated with the Land of Israel. People then considered it a blessing to offer these fruits in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Ripening at the end of summer, just in time for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, the pomegranate holds deep symbolic meaning. According to tradition, each pomegranate contains 613 seeds, representing the 613 commandments in the Torah. These vibrant fruits got enjoyed for their taste and used to decorate and bless ceremonies during New Year celebrations and other Jewish holidays. The east too embraced Pomegranates. Accordingly, they are appearing in China during the Han and Sung dynasties. Some even speculate that pomegranates could be the legendary fruit from the tree of life!

Pomegranate beauty

In 2023, Zaozhuang City in China hosted the Pomegranate Industry Development Conference, bringing together 30 companies that supply pomegranate extracts to the beauty and personal care industry. These extracts, including Ellagic Acid Powder and Seed Extract (rich in bioactive Punicic Acid), are even marketed as Kosher and Halal. As China’s pomegranate industry grows, its influence will expand in the global beauty market. Brands like Italian Perlier and Weleda are already capitalizing on pomegranate’s benefits, offering products such as Weleda’s Awakening Body Beauty Oil, praised for its nourishing qualities and uplifting fragrance.

Orchard scents

How about autumn-perfect candles that join the orchard friends? Apple and pomegranate come together in ForeverWick Candle Co’s Pomegranate Fuji Apple Surprise. Parks London artisanal candles offer Pomegranate Noir, blending the fruit with a drizzle of sweet honey for a rich and inviting top note. The scent gets further enhanced by sun-bleached woods, golden amber, and warm musks, adding a subtle intensity.

Health benefits and more

Did you know that while the ancients used pomegranate skin and bark for medicinal purposes, you can only eat the seeds? They represent a brilliantly colorful addition when tossed on a salad. In some clinical studies, pomegranate juice has been shown to offer significant benefits, especially in preventing heart disease. Preliminary studies indicate that the juice may possess almost three times the total antioxidant ability of green tea or red wine. Pomegranates also provide a substantial amount of potassium, fiber, vitamin C and niacin.

Modern and traditional recipes

Versatile pomegranates can go into baking, cooking, juice blends, meal garnishes, smoothies, and alcoholic beverages, such as cocktails and wine! Recently the New York Times featured Yewande Komolafe’s roasted squash with turmeric-ginger chickpeas. The dish features a vibrant mix of roasted squash, marinated chickpeas, and salad greens topped with pomegranate seeds. Beautiful, healthy, and simple, consider this fall perfect carrot and cod fillet recipe. Heading into the High Holidays, consider more recipes offered in Apples and Pomegranates: A Rosh Hashanah Seder.

Symrise offers a variety of orchard fruit ingredients in their portfolio of organic and sustainably produced products. These include easily rehydrated Flakes, Appl’In, a natural apple extract that reduces glucose absorption by 30%, and Actipone^® Pomegranate Hyper GW CA.

Weigh in below with comments on your favorite orchard possibilities!

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Help on the way

Did you breathe a sigh of relief thinking your acne troubles would end with your teenage years, only to have them resurface later in life? You’ve got company. Global statistics reveal a significant increase in acne cases among adults, particularly between 18 and 44. This reflects in the forecasts. By 2030, the market for acne treatment products is projected to grow by 4.6% CAGR, reaching an astonishing USD 13 billion. According to a recent National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) study, adult acne is rising. Experts often cite hormonal shifts and pollution as key factors, with an estimated 40% of adults affected by this persistent skin condition. As one of the world’s most prevalent diseases, ranking eighth globally, it becomes clear why many are seeking effective ways to combat it. Are you curious about the latest trends, alternatives, and solutions? Keep reading to learn how to take control of your skin’s health!

Sound advice

Skincare expert Biba de Sousa, known for transforming the acne-prone skin of celebrities like Billie and Finneas Eilish and Hailey Bieber, believes in the power of acne-safe products. Her brand even launched a pore clogger checker to help spot comedogenic ingredients in your favorite items. Biba also shares essential acne-care tips: cleanse with tepid water, exfoliate gently, stay hydrated from within, and use a humidifier for extra moisture.

Spate data reveals a surge in searches for “perimenopause and acne,” up 65 percent year-over-year, while “menopause and acne” searches jumped 32 percent in 2023. Frustrated by limited solutions for adult acne, Ju Rhyu, co-founder and CEO of Hero Cosmetics, highlighted that over 70 percent of acne sufferers face additional skin issues.  According to Circana research, dermatologist-focused brands are outperforming traditional acne products. The key to this shift? Trust lies at the heart of the growing popularity of derm-backed acne solutions.

Trending searches

Spate has observed a significant surge in TikTok searches for BioRePeel, with a remarkable 374.3% year-over-year growth. While the trend has sparked widespread interest, it has also generated a mix of reviews, reflecting a range of experiences with the product. The hashtag #acnetreatment on TikTok has been growing alongside this trend, with 366.1K total views. The top related concern is #acnescars, with 213.4K total views. For brands, this means acne and acne scars represent pain points consumers are looking to address with in-person services and acne services that are less invasive. The Daily Mail recently spotlighted a TikTok trend gaining attention: intentionally sunburning skin to heal acne and boost immunity. While the idea has sparked curiosity, dermatologists and experts strongly advise against such practices, urging consumers to use safer, proven skin care methods. Stay informed and choose skin-friendly approaches!

Systems approach

Both renowned and niche skincare brands are seizing the rise in adult acne as a chance to educate and empower their customers. Elemis, for example, offers a dedicated range of adult blemish remedies in its skin care by concern section. The Inkey List, known for its affordability, features a breakout analyzer pro page and a collection that addresses everything from prevention to scar alleviation. Their latest addition? The Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches which promise to offer discreet and effective treatment.

Patch power

Patches have ignited an acne positivity movement, shifting the focus from hiding blemishes to proudly wearing them. This trend has driven significant growth in Europe’s anti-acne dermal patch market. With a projected CAGR of 7.04% from 2023 to 2032, the market is expected to reach $208.69 million by 2032. Rising consumer awareness about long-term skin health has formed a key factor in this growth across the UK and Europe. Influential beauty magazines like British GQ and popular blogs featuring brands like Peace Out and COSRX also play a crucial role in shaping consumer perceptions.

Seeing the light

A final trending tip involves the rise and advancements in light therapy. Foreo of Sweden offers dual-power blue LED light, long known for helping acne-prone skin, combined with T-Sonic pulsations. The ESPADA 2 clears acne, blemishes, and inflammation without drying out your skin. It also regulates sebum production to prevent future breakouts and reduce pore size, leaving your skin clearer, healthier, and smoother.

Symrise continues to innovate in skin care, supporting those with acne. Their Symcontrol® active targets shininess, clogged pores, blackheads, and dead skin buildup, helping to clear blemishes and pimples.

What new skincare developments excite you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Shaking up the morning jolt

Did you know over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed daily around the globe? Many cultures worldwide have deeply ingrained a love of coffee. This extends far beyond a morning ritual or pick-me-up during the day. Coffee means sharing social experiences that bring people together. In addition, a recent study found that those drinking a moderate amount of coffee (1.5 to 3.5 cups daily) enjoy a 30% decreased mortality rate. Researchers link coffee’s bioactive compounds, including antioxidants and polyphenols, to protection against cardiovascular disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Explore the remarkable benefits of coffee, innovations in coffee offerings, and applications in the beauty industry and beyond.

Consumer led innovations

Treatt recently expanded its coffee portfolio with bespoke solutions, featuring 100% coffee extracts from Brazil and Colombia and a new “all-rounder” Espresso blend. The coffee range is designed for all ready-to-drink formats, from oat lattes to espresso martinis, reflecting consumer preferences for natural ingredients and lower-sugar alternatives. New York-based research firm SPATE recently reported on the consumer-led rise of interest in high-protein coffee as a health-centric energizer. Despite relatively low search volume, the concept has steadily increased with +62.7% YoY growth. The high-protein coffee market, focused on multi-functionality, offers opportunities for developing products with various flavors, superfood blends, and alternative milk. High-protein coffee makes the perfect post-workout beverage!

A new brew—lab-grown coffee cells

Making coffee involves intensive resource use and an ecological challenge. So, how does the future look like? A recent Mintel report reveals that despite growing sustainability concerns, most coffee drinkers reject to try lab-grown coffee. With the primary purchase drivers for coffee relating to taste and indulgence, the goal for brands entails to combine those factors with sustainable practices as a first step, e.g., climate-resilient beans. In its early stages, the BBC demonstrated that plant cells could create cell-based coffee. These cells go into a bioreactor, get fed with various nutrients, and allowed to multiply. Another study found that roasting and brewing coffee cell cultures could replicate traditional coffee’s comforting aromas and complex flavors.

Coffee ingredients energize beauty

The use of coffee derivatives and the rise of multisensory beauty experiences incorporating coffee ingredients are estimated to expand robustly from now through 2031. Coffee continues as a key beauty ingredient, from coffee oil to the use of caffeine from coffee in eye care. It is used to promote circulation and decrease puffiness. Beauty Insights recently highlighted a coffee innovation from Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, a major beauty industry trade show. Skincare brand Amarey and Intercos Italian Manufacturing have launched a coffee butter developed from silver skin extract, a byproduct of coffee roasting. Amarey, founded by members of the Illy coffee family of Trieste, Italy, embodies an actual “circular economy of coffee.” Their first product using this ingredient features a unique face powder. Expect more coffee-based innovations from this partnership in the beauty industry. Due to increasing demand for fair and sustainable products and practices, Symrise has been watching and supporting evolving trends in coffee, from emerging flavor profiles to novel experiences to innovation. Comment below what new developments in coffee are most exciting to you!

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