Cosmetics News In Brief: EC To Ban Fragrance Allergens As Proposed; Shiseido Acquires MATCHCo; More

In a notice to the World Trade Organization, the European Commission announces its intention to prohibit use of fragrance allergens hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde (HICC), atranol and chloroatranol, all of which the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety found to be unsafe for use in cosmetic products. The proposed ban has been in the works for years, but could require fragrance reformulation and labeling changes. (Also see "EC Proposes Tighter Regulation Of Fragrance Allergens, Ban On Three" - HBW Insight, 24 February, 2014.) The EC plans to amend Annex II (prohibited substances) of the European Cosmetics Regulation in mid-March and indicates that the ban will enter into force 20 days after publication in the EU’s Official Journal. Firms then will have two years to stop introducing products to the market that contain the ingredients and four years to withdraw existing products from circulation. According to the SCCS, atranol and chloroatranol are present in natural extracts – e.g., oak moss and tree moss extract – while HICC previously was cited as the most frequently reported chemical linked to fragrance allergy. Reportedly, iconic perfumes including Chanel No 5 and Miss Dior are among those that traditionally have featured extracts at issue.

Announced Jan. 18, Shiseido Co.’s US subsidiary has acquired California-based startup MATCHCo, whose popular app enables users to scan their complexions and purchase customized foundation uniquely suited to their skin tone. “Finding your correct foundation shade should not be a chore or a hassle, nor should you have to mix two or more products together to match your skin tone. We believe there is one color of foundation. It is called YOU,” the company explains. Together, MATCHCo and Shiseido Americas Corp. will focus on advancing skin analysis technologies, improving market intelligence and expanding on direct-to-consumer marketing opportunities. With competitors also scrambling to meet Millennial makeup demand, Shiseido notes that MATCHCo has received breakthrough beauty honors from Teen Vogue, among other magazines. (Also see "NPD Forecast: Makeup Highs, Millennials Should Stay Covered" - HBW Insight, 6 January, 2017