Innovation & IP

Vichy Labs Dercos Anti-Dandruff Brand Makes Stateside Debut, targeted to 60% of Americans who don’t use dandruff-specific formulas, while Interparfums Inc. launches a proprietary fragrance line to sell in its first-ever boutiques and iconic Bain De Soleil suncare is slated to return to US stores under new ownership.

Xytogen Biotech’s Factorfive stem cell-based skin care delivers benefits that are greater than the company claims, says founder and CEO John Aylworth. Available mostly through clinicians’ offices, the formulas are based on a proprietary process that triggers stem cells to send out growth factor signals, which are captured in a ‘conditioned media’ and used as the basis for products.

Bayer adds dry eye treatment to its Bepanthen skin care range; Stada launches special edition Elotrans supplement for Eintracht Frankfurt fans; Hermes offers chewable magnesium supplement; and Klosterfrau introduces Oyono Night extension to help troubled sleepers maintain their immunity.

After launching Retaine MGD Advanced, OcuSoft says a release by Bruder Healthcare referenced Retaine MGD trademark and statements from a previous OcuSoft announcement about the original product attributed to an optometrist. B+L, Rohto brand and homeopathic firm Relief Products also make US OTC eye care space moves.

Perelel acquiring Loom online platform providing reproductive health, sexual wellness and parenting education. First direct-to-consumer product for Curive Healthcare’s Plum brand formulated for vaginal area dryness.

Mucinex Sinus saline nasal spray is designed to treat sinus-related symptoms as “first-ever drug-free saline product” with a dual nozzle offering two spray settings, marketer Reckitt-Benckiser says.

Coty will leverage insights and feedback from its Scientific Advisory Board, which met for the first time on 24 September in Monaco, to drive skin-care innovation. Dermatologist-founded brand SEEN, at the intersection of luxury hair care and skin care, has $9m in new funding. More beauty news in brief.

October will see the bricks-and-mortar launch of the first FDA-approved OTC treatment for erectile dysfunction in the US by Haleon. HBW Insight catches up with the company's North America president Lisa Paley to find out what Haleon has planned for Eroxon's arrival in stores. 

Agency approves Hearing Aid Feature app to make compatible Apple AirPods Pro Bluetooth earbuds OTC hearing aids as well as audio streaming devices. Apple says the no-cost app provides a “scientifically validated” hearing test and “clinical-grade” hearing aid capability.

“We're significantly investing more in reaching more consumers, but we're doing it in a very different way,” says CGO Charmaine England. Brands may be “iconic,” but on their own they’re not driving sales growth, says CEO Thibaut Mongon.

Apple is introducing new health features in conjunction with its launch of the Series 10 Apple Watch and AirPods Pro 2 earbuds, which soon will be able to monitor for potential sleep apnea and function as a clinical-grade hearing aid, respectively, pending regulatory clearances in the US and other countries around the globe.

Masdel expects its Original Magic Bag hot or cold compress to catch on as a popular as well as effective product from north of the border.

Dexcom announced the launch of Stelo, the first non-prescription continuous glucose monitoring system to hit the US market, but is likely going to face competition soon from Abbott.

Laifen, Opalescence Moon, Lewie and quip are among US companies with recent launches to boost their oral care market shares. Recent launch by Arm & Hammer global oral care brand also targets driving growth in the category.

Wild.AI women's health and wellness app available on Zepp’s Amazfit Active; WAT Medical’s app helps users lose weight; and firm Cronometer adds feature to answer users’ most frequent question, "How do I track water?"

Estee Lauder Companies’ TOM FORD signs Academy Award-winning actress Angelina Jolie as the face of its Runway Lip Color Campaign launching 3 September. Dolly Parton introduces her first beauty range, Dolly Beauty, through Scent Beauty. More cosmetics and personal-care news in brief.

Viome Life Sciences launches VRx MyBiotics Toothpaste & Gel to complete its Oral Health Solution system; Liquid Core Gum’s Edge Performance made with its Liquid Core and Flavor Wave properties and distributed in packaging developed using sustainable cardboard tubes; and NOW Health Group launches Omega-3 Gummy Chews and E-Sport Reaction supplements.

Mentholatum says two line extensions made with 2% salicylic acid and its "Oxy for Every Kind of Ne" campaign reinforce the brand’s “commitment to tackling every type of acne—from face-ne and chin-ne to body-ne.”

Neutrogena Collagen Bank contains patented micro-peptide technology two times smaller than leading anti-aging peptides on the market to penetrate more than 10 layers under the surface of skin, says Kenvue, Inc. The product duo marks the brand’s entry into the ‘pre-aging’ segment.

Marking a first for the iconic brand, Eucerin Face is rolling out in Target doors now, Beiersdorf leaders noted in a 7 August half-year earnings presentation. The firm’s Consumer business segment recorded nominal sales growth of 5.4% to €4.3bn in the first half of 2024, led by Nivea.