BUXOM Cosmetics has a go at marketing in the metaverse, launching PlumpVerse in Decentraland, a virtual reality platform powered by the Ethereum blockchain where users can purchase digital LAND to build and monetize content and applications.

French firms L’Oréal and Microphyt partner to drive development of cosmetic solutions based on the latter’s patented, low-carbon process for cultivating microalgae. Already, Microphyt markets three cosmetic ingredients based on microalgae bioactives for enhanced skin vitality and resilience.

Estee Lauder’s agreement values Tom Ford Beauty and its trademarks at $2.8bn. Acquisition will “fortify" growth plans for the brand and help to fuel long-term luxury beauty momentum, says CEO Fabrizio Freda.

Sales in most categories in US portfolio grew, led by Zicam, Therabreath and Hero. But slumps continued for Waterpik water flossers, the Flawless feminine hair-removal, skin and nail care line and the vitafusion and L’il Critter gummies and other vitamin, mineral and supplement products.

Myrissi draws on a decade of academic research in brain imagery and AI, an odor-color database of more than 25,000 consumer tests, and a wealth of affective data to translate fragrances into color patterns and images and predict the end consumer’s emotional response. The technology is targeted for use in developing fine fragrance, beauty and home-care products and marketing campaigns.

Manufacturers of UK personal care products watch out, the Competition and Markets Authority is on the look-out for false, exaggerated and/or vague sustainability claims, and may be targeting bigger players to make an example for the rest of the sector. And consumer health might be next. HBW Insight returns to advice from marketing expert Jo Stephenson on how to avoid greenwashing, based on the CMA's own extensive Green Claims Code.

Sales in most categories in US portfolio grew, led by Zicam, Therabreath and Hero. But slumps continued for Waterpik water flossers, the Flawless feminine hair-removal, skin and nail care line and the vitafusion and L’il Critter gummies and other vitamin, mineral and supplement products.

The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. reported a 17% decline in fiscal 2023 second quarter sales due to pandemic-related closures in China as well as a slowdown in orders of US skin-care products. But the company says both its Chinese and US markets should be “growth drivers” in the second half of the year as markets open up and new innovations kick in.

Oakland, CA-based e.l.f. Beauty is significantly increasing its full fiscal year 2023 sales estimate, predicting 38%-39% growth after third quarter sales soared 49% to reach $146.5m. CEO Tarang Amin discusses the white space opportunities contributing to a bullish outlook even beyond the fiscal year.