Boston coalition offers pro-bono legal help for small businesses, nonprofits; CBD firms Neptune Wellness Solutions and cbdMD respond to loosened US prohibitions for preparing sanitizers; Modere supplements provides first responders with free products; Young Living donates sanitizer in community; VidaFuel Nutition provides protein drinks to vulnerable kidney patients.

Successfully acquired by Colgate-Palmolive on 31 January, Hello quickly made a statement with the launch of a CBD oral-care range and its first go at lip care, CBD Vegan Lip Balm. Available exclusively through Ulta Beauty, the CBD products have the potential to score well with younger consumers interested in natural ingredients, eco-friendly packaging and, of course, cannabis-based innovations.

Colgate rolls out first recyclable toothpaste tube in UK with launch of Smile for Good. Selling now in retailers including Tesco and Morrisons, the line featuring Protection and Whitening versions is the first toothpaste certified by the Vegan Society.

China’s newly adopted Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation could mean less animal testing and speedier approval of new ingredients, according to Francine Lamoriello of the Personal Care Products Council. Coming implementing regulations, standards and guidances should help to provide needed clarity, she says.

L’Oreal acquires Thayers Natural Remedies; Unilever, L’Oreal remove ‘whitening,’ ‘fair’ from labels; China finalizes modernization of cosmetics regulations; and Florida governor signs law preventing local bans on oxybenzone.

Marketers of cosmetic products that rely on prostaglandins or their analogues to grow eyelashes – or compete against companies that use the ingredients – have until 22 October to submit information to the Commission, which will help inform an assessment by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety.

Brands unfairly attacked by powerful influencers could raise the subject with the US Federal Trade Commission, which is asking for comments on its “Endorsement Guides."  

P&G has acknowledged that it was slow to react to direct-to-consumer threats in the men’s shave market. Perhaps intent on avoiding the same mistakes, the firm plans to acquire Billie, a subscription-based razor and body-care startup that has endeared itself to younger demographics with its affordable offerings and of-the-moment messaging.

P&G approach to advertising for SK-II skin care drove double-digit sales growth in new users and prompted a 27% increase in searches for the line. P&G has saved $1bn from cost-cutting in ad agencies and advertising implemented over past five years, says chief brand officer Marc Pritchard.

Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council and Direct Selling Association guidance aims to curb multi-level marketers’ misleading earnings claims, a practice increasing among health and wellness direct sellers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NAD looked at Qf Systems' claims "against backdrop” of previous reviews of claims for products promoted as alternatives to cosmetic procedures and surgeries, Consumers keen to look younger are attracted to the products, but often have difficulty determining whether claims are legitimate.

Church & Dwight agrees to discontinue claiming its Arm & Hammer Spinbrush electric toothbrush removes plaque as well as Oral-B Pro 1000. The American Dental Association and FDA have noted or suggested that "cleaning" teeth refers to plaque removal, an industry self-regulation group says.