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Sunday Business: Supply Side – Global Cosmetics News

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In this monthly roundup, the beauty and personal care supply chain reveals an industry balancing investment in innovation with the structural pressures of regulation, restructuring and capital discipline. From ingredient science and packaging breakthroughs to factory closures and financial recalibration, suppliers are navigating a landscape where sustainability, efficiency and technological differentiation are increasingly decisive.

Macroeconomic pressures remain visible among the sector’s largest chemical suppliers. BASF reported sales declining to €59.7 billion in 2025citing currency headwinds and softer global demand. For beauty and personal care manufacturers, movements at this scale matter: ingredient pricing, supply stability and innovation pipelines are often closely tied to the financial health and strategic priorities of the industry’s largest raw material providers.

At the same time, sustainability-led innovation continues to reshape packaging development. Aveda partnered with AeroFlexx to launch a refillable packaging solutionhighlighting how brands and packaging technology companies are collaborating to meet rising regulatory and consumer expectations around circular design. Refillable systems are increasingly seen not just as environmental commitments but as long-term infrastructure for reducing packaging waste and logistics costs.

Leadership shifts within the supplier ecosystem also reflect evolving priorities. medmix appointed Jennifer Dean as Head of its Beauty Business Unit, reinforcing the importance of dispensing technology, formulation delivery and application systems in the next phase of beauty innovation. As products become more performance-driven, packaging and delivery systems are playing a larger role in product differentiation.

Portfolio reshaping remains active across ingredient specialists. Persán agreed to sell Mibelle Biochemistry to Solabia Groupillustrating continued consolidation within the active ingredient sector. As demand grows for clinically backed actives and biotech-driven formulations, companies are increasingly positioning themselves around specialised research capabilities and targeted category expertise.

Legal and regulatory pressures continue to cast a shadow over certain materials. Vanderbilt Minerals filed for bankruptcy amid a surge in talc-related asbestos lawsuits, underscoring the lingering liabilities associated with legacy ingredients. The case highlights how regulatory scrutiny and litigation risk can rapidly reshape supply dynamics across cosmetics and personal care formulations.

Capital markets activity remains a key tool for strengthening balance sheets. DSM-Firmenich issued a €1.5 billion dual-tranche bond to refinance debt, reinforcing the company’s strategy of maintaining financial flexibility while continuing to invest in science-driven innovation across nutrition, fragrance and beauty ingredients.

Regulatory clarity can also ease operational uncertainty. American authorities closed an antitrust investigation into Symrise, removing a potential overhang for one of the world’s leading fragrance and flavour houses. For major suppliers, regulatory outcomes like these can influence partnership strategies and long-term expansion plans.

Meanwhile, the next generation of materials science is attracting investor attention. Sparxell raised US$5 million in a pre-Series A round to scale plant-based colour technologyreflecting growing interest in bio-derived pigments and alternatives to synthetic colourants. As brands push toward cleaner formulations and more sustainable sourcing, such technologies are gaining traction.

Manufacturing footprints are also shifting in response to efficiency and cost pressures. KDC/One confirmed plans to close its 150-year-old Somerset cosmetics factory and transfer production to Scotland, highlighting the continued rationalisation of European production networks. Consolidating facilities allows contract manufacturers to modernise equipment, optimise logistics and improve margin resilience.

Finally, research capability remains a central competitive lever in fragrance and flavour development. MANE acquired ChemoSensoryx Biosciences to expand its R&D capabilities, strengthening its position in sensory science and olfactory research. As fragrance houses increasingly integrate neuroscience and advanced analytics into scent creation, such acquisitions signal how the scientific frontier is expanding across the supply side of beauty.

Taken together, this monthly roundup reveals a supply ecosystem in transition. Innovation in biotechnology, sustainable materials and sensory science is accelerating, even as suppliers manage legal risks, restructuring and capital requirements. In the evolving beauty value chain, the companies shaping ingredients, packaging and manufacturing infrastructure are proving just as critical to the industry’s future as the brands themselves.

11 Best Cleansers for Mature Skin to Hydrate, Brighten, and Soothe

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best facial cleanser for mature skin?

The best facial cleanser for mature skin should check off a few boxes—namely, they should “prioritize hydration, barrier support, and gentle cleansing,” says Dr. Collins. She cites ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides, as well as green tea extract and vitamin E for antioxidant protection. “Cream cleansers and oil-based formulations are ideal, as they effectively remove impurities without stripping natural oils,” she adds.

What should an older woman wash her face with?

As your skin gets older (and wiser!), it needs a little extra TLC in the cleansing department to keep it looking and feeling its best. Natural oil production decreases, leading to dryness and a weakened skin barrier, so older women benefit from using hydrating cleansers to restore moisture. Dullness also becomes more noticeable as cell turnover slows, so incorporating a cleanser with mild alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic or lactic acid can help gently exfoliate and reveal brighter, smoother skin. “Those with mature skin should avoid sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate, harsh alcohols, and high concentrations of acids, as they can strip moisture and exacerbate dryness or sensitivity,” says Dr. Collins.

What is a good skin-care routine for mature skin?

A solid skin-care routine for aging skin focuses on three key things: hydration, protection, and repair. According to Dr. Collins, your morning routine should include a cream- or oil-based cleanser to gently remove impurities, followed by an antioxidant serum, like vitamin C, to brighten skin and fight free radicals. Afterward, apply a moisturizer to hydrate, and finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (with SPF 30 or more) to shield against UV damage.

For your evening routine, Dr. Collins recommends starting with a face wash—either a single or double cleanse, depending on your needs. “Next, incorporate a retinol or peptide serum to boost collagen and improve skin texture. Wrap up your routine with a hydrating cream or moisturizer to seal in moisture and give your skin the overnight support it needs to recharge and repair,” Dr. Collins says. With this simple yet effective routine, you’ll address common concerns like dryness, fine lines, and dullness while keeping your skin healthy and radiant.

How do you double-cleanse mature skin?

Double-cleansing mature skin involves using two non-stripping formulas to thoroughly cleanse without compromising hydration or irritating delicate skin. “People may prefer this method, particularly if they are wearing heavy makeup, or if they like to use an oil-based cleanser but don’t like the residue that some oil-based cleansers leave behind,” says Dr. King. “Start with a cleansing balm or oil onto dry skin to remove makeup and sunscreen, then rinse or gently wipe away with a soft cloth. Follow with a gentle cream or gel cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup stragglers,” says Dr. Collins.

Why should you use a cleanser to wash your face, rather than just water?

Let’s dust off your chemistry knowledge for this one. “Water can rinse away sweat and some surface debris, but it cannot dissolve oil, sunscreen, makeup, and environmental pollutants,” says Dr. McDonald. “Those substances are not water-soluble. A proper cleanser binds to oil and lifts it off the skin, so it can be rinsed away.” If you don’t cleanse properly, your serums and moisturizers will sit on top of a layer of buildup, she adds—meaning they won’t absorb effectively. Washing your face is the first foundational step that allows the rest of your skin-care routine to do its job.

Can drugstore cleansers be just as effective as higher-end ones?

Absolutely. “I always tell my patients that a cleanser does not have to be expensive to be effective,” says Dr. McDonald. “What matters most is choosing a gentle, well-formulated product that respects the skin barrier.” La-Roche Posay and Vanicream make some of our drugstore favorites on this list, but we’ve also unpacked our love for other budget-friendly face washes in the past.

Meet the experts

  • Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at California Dermatology Specialists, based in Los Angeles
  • Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
  • Shannon Humphrey, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Humphrey & Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology, based in British Columbia, Canada
  • Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
  • Debbie Palmer, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Dermatology Associates of New York, based in Harrison, New York
  • Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology, based in Toronto
  • Hallie McDonald, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Central Texas Dermatology, based in Austin

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best cleansers for mature skin, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine. You may simply be browsing for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we’re able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Summer Glow Mineral Makeup Tutorial – LAMAV

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When the weather warms up, our skin craves lightweight hydration, breathable coverage and products that won’t clog pores or melt away in the heat. That’s why a summer makeup routine should start with clean, balanced and nourished skin — and end with long-wear mineral makeup that lets your natural glow shine through.

Perfect for a festive glow up, our summer makeup tutorial will walk you through skincare-to-makeup essentials featuring our award-winning, certified organic beauty products. From your exfoliating prep to the finishing touches of bronzer, here’s how to achieve a fresh, healthy, heat-proof summer look.

SKIN PREPARATION

STEP 1: Start With Smooth, Polished Skin

Just like anything in life, the results lie in the prep work. Our Jojoba Exfoliating Scrub is an essential starting point for any glowing makeup routine as it gently but effectively breaks down and buffs away dry, flakey and dull skin – ensuring a smooth complexion for flawless makeup application.

How to Apply:

After cleansing, gently massage a small amount of product onto damp skin using circular motions. Focus on areas prone to congestion — chin, nose, forehead — then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water being careful to stay away from the delicate eye area.

Why It’s Perfect for Summer Skin:

  • Removes buildup, sweat residue and sunscreen congestion

  • Refines texture for smoother makeup application

  • Jojoba beads gently exfoliate without irritation

  • Promotes a brighter, softer, more even complexion

A smooth base means your makeup sits better, lasts longer and looks fresher throughout hot, humid days.

STEP 2: Soothe, Calm and Balance

Added hydration without the oiliness is always helpful prior to makeup application, and our Rose Hydrating Mist Toner delivers multiple benefits to hydrate, calm and refine the skin before makeup application.

How to Apply:

Post cleansing, close your eyes and mist generously over the face and neck. You can also apply after powder application to refresh and rehydrate the skin. Keep this cooling toner in your handbag for a midday refresh.

Summer Skin Benefits:

  • Refreshes dry, heat exhausted skin instantly

  • Balances pH after cleansing and exfoliating

  • Natural humectants help lock in moisture

  • Boosts radiance with soothing botanical extracts

STEP 3: Lock in Lightweight Moisture

LAMAV’s Skin Balancing Fluid offers lightweight hydration to balance and protect the skin’s barrier. The inclusion of antioxidant rich bio-actives will protect the skin from environmental stress while supporting the healing of blemishes and promoting a bright, clear complexion. This everyday summer essential keeps moisture levels in check, providing just the right amount of hydration for oily summer skin.

How to Apply:

After cleansing and toning, massage 1–2 pumps onto the face and neck until fully absorbed.

Why It’s a Summer Must-Have:

  • A silky, fast-absorbing moisturiser ideal for oily or combination summer skin

  • Prepares skin for smooth makeup application

  • Keeps skin fresh and balanced even in heat or humidity

MAKEUP APPLICATION

STEP 4: Prime for a Long-Lasting Glow

Our Bio-Active Primer creates a smooth base for makeup application with the added benefits of hydration and skin-loving ingredients.

How to Apply:

Apply 1 pump evenly across the face using clean fingertips. Let it settle before moving on to makeup application.

Summer Benefits:

  • Creates a smooth, velvety base that grips makeup

  • Extends wear time in hot weather

  • Smoothes the skin – minimising the appearance of pores and fine lines

  • Nourishes the skin with antioxidant-rich botanicals

STEP 5: Even Out Skin Tone With Lightweight Coverage

Summer makeup calls for minimal, breathable products. LAMAV’s Award Winning BB Cream is the lightweight, versatile base bestie that every complexion needs throughout summer. Infused with organic skin-loving ingredients, it delivers a healthy glow without the heaviness.

How to Apply:

Apply LAMAV’s BB cream using our Vegan Foundation Brush, beginning at the centre of the face and working out towards the hairline in sweeping and buffing motions until your desired coverage is achieved.

Why It’s Perfect for Summer:

  • Breathable, natural-looking coverage that lets your skin shine through

  • Infused with antioxidants and hydrating actives

  • Gives skin a luminous, healthy glow

  • Won’t feel heavy or clog pores in heat

This is your summer skin’s best friend — skincare + makeup in one.

STEP 6: Add Buildable Mineral Coverage

For those who have excessively oily skin, you can swap out the BB Cream for our Organic Mineral Foundation Powder. If you’re a full coverage lover, you can also layer this over the BB Cream for additional coverage, staying power and oil absorption.

How to Apply:

Tap the Mineral Foundation into the lid and dip LAMAV’s Vegan Kabuki Brush into the product, tapping off any excess before application. Apply in sweeping and gentle buffing motions working from the centre of the face outwards. Repeat for additional coverage.

Vegan Kabuki Brush LAMAV

Summer Skin Benefits:

  • Sweat-resistant, breathable and non-comedogenic

  • Helps control excess shine throughout the day

  • Gives a smooth, airbrushed finish

  • Buildable and suitable to layer for touch ups throughout the day

STEP 7: Set & Control Shine

Sometimes summer calls for additional support on hot, humid days when sweat and excess oil are at their peak. LAMAV’s Organic Mattifying Powder gives an added layer of oil absorption while blurring pores and imperfections.

How to Apply:

Place a small amount of Mattifying Powder into the lid of the jar. Dip LAMAV’s Vegan Kabuki Brush into the product and tap off excess. Gently sweep or tap the brush over any areas of the face where you would like to set makeup or provide additional oil control.

Why You’ll Love It for Summer:

  • Keeps makeup fresh all day

  • Controls oils without drying

  • Minimises shine in humidity

  • Place in your handbag for shine control and touch ups throughout the day.

STEP 8: Add a Touch of Sun-Kissed Warmth

LYING Sunkissed Bronzer provides a beautiful natural sun-kissed glow to your skin with additional benefits of Vitamin C and Rosehip. Perfect for contouring facial features and adding warmth to the skin.

How to Apply:

Add a sun-kissed flush to cheeks, nose, chin and forehead for a summer glow or blend around the hairline, under the cheekbones and along the jawline for contoured definition, ensuring to start with a small amount and blend well for a natural finish.

Summer Benefits:

  • Adds natural warmth without sun damage

  • Clean mineral pigments for sensitive skin

  • Buildable and lightweight

  • Infused with Vitamin C and Rosehip for brightening and protective benefits

SEE OUR SUMMER MAKEUP ROUTINE IN ACTION

(please include the below video in the blog post)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dMCR-moBik1weVjXDU-FqkdrQNBRXc1o/view?usp=share_link

LAMAV’s organic skincare and mineral makeup range works in harmony to keep your skin hydrated, balanced, and glowing all summer long. With clean ingredients, high-performance minerals and lightweight formulas, this routine is ideal for sunny days, outdoor adventures and everyday wear during warmer months.

Your summer makeup doesn’t have to be complicated — just clean and breathable!

These Lip Stains Stay Fresh From Coffee to Cocktails

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between lip stains and lip tints?

There is no difference between a stain and a tint—it all comes down to marketing, according to Amanda Lam, the cosmetic formulation chemist based in Warwick, Rhode Island. “The formulas for both are usually the same and give the same effect of long-wear staining without being opaque and are water-based with water-soluble pigments,” Lam explains.

Cincinnati, Ohio-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos adds that, depending on composition, just about any lip product can act as a stain or tint. “The color additives are the primary determinant of whether a color actually stains the lips,” she says. “So balms, glosses, and lipsticks can all be lip stains,” depending on how much pigment they’re formulated with.

How to apply a lip stain

If you have dry lips, “A lip mask or light, clear lip balm will help even out your lips’ hydration levels, prepping them for a more even application,” Claire says. She also recommends using a lip liner as a base, which helps extend the stain’s wear time.

Once you’re ready to apply your lip stain of choice, Claire recommends drawing a “V” at the bow and outer corners of your lips and a “U” towards the bottom. Then, connect the dots, fill in the lips, and voila. For a natural-looking finish, Genevieve Garner, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles, advises tapping the product directly onto your lips using your fingers. For a more saturated look, Claire recommends applying the stain straight from the tube.

Meet the experts

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best lip stains, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and shade range. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Should I Take Melatonin, Magnesium, or Both to Sleep Better?

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If restless nights have led you to Dr. Google or into the snooze-inducing aisle of the drugstore, you’re probably acquainted with two popular sleep supplements: melatonin and magnesium. They tend to get lumped together as they’re both natural, available OTC, and shrouded by a health halo of risk-free sleep support. But that’s where their similarities end. Each has distinct effects in the body, some of which may—or may not—help you conk out faster or doze more soundly, depending on your particular struggle.

“There aren’t any head-to-head studies weighing melatonin against magnesium,” Dennis Auckley, MD, a professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University and director of the Center for Sleep Medicine at MetroHealth Medical Center, in Cleveland, tells SELF. And the research on what either can do for sleep, particularly in those with run-of-the-mill insomnia, is far from a slam dunk. Most of the studies are small and short-term, Dr. Auckley says. Still, it’s worth noting a few possible benefits and key differences if you’re curious whether either (or both) could help you.

How do melatonin and magnesium impact sleep?

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that your brain’s pineal gland naturally pumps out each night, when it gets dark, as part of your circadian rhythm (a.k.a. internal clock). It cues your body that it’s time to snooze, hence why melatonin supplements are often used to treat circadian rhythm disorders or resolve sleep struggles that occur with shift work or jet lag, when your body clock is out of sync with the day-night cycle, Dr. Auckley explains.

Outside of these scenarios, taking melatonin may not have as much upside—your brain is already making the melatonin that signals sleepy time each evening, and adding more simply presses the same button. Indeed, studies show taking melatonin helps people fall asleep just about seven minutes faster and increases sleep time by a meager eight minutes.

Other research shows that people taking melatonin do report better sleep quality. But it’s tough to rule out a placebo effect, “which is common with things that you anticipate will help you sleep,” Jennifer Martin, PhD, spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and professor at Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University, tells SELF. That’s not bad per se, except that placebos tend to wear off with time.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that facilitates body processes like muscle and nerve function, energy production, and DNA repair. If you’re not getting enough via foods like leafy greens, grains, nuts, and fish—about 320 milligrams a day for women and 420 for men—you could wind up with a deficiency that raises your risk of poor sleep (and supplementing may help). But as SELF previously reported, your kidneys will latch onto magnesium if you’re running low, minimizing the chances that you feel any symptoms from a deficit.

Women-Owned Beauty Brands Getting All the Buzz

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International Women’s Day is Sunday, March 8, and what better way to celebrate than highlighting some women-owned and founded beauty brands getting plenty of buzz lately? While supporting female-led brands should always be a priority, March 8 is a perfect excuse to spotlight them even more.

According to the Association for Enterprise Opportunity, women own more than 13 million businesses and represent 45 percent of all entrepreneurs in the U.S. While that’s a lot of companies to support, we’ve narrowed it down to a small selection of some of our favorite women-led beauty brands to shop from. The list includes household-name, female-founded brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Huda Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs, more niche options like Danessa Myricks Beauty, Cocokind and Beautyblender, and several quickly growing brands everyone seems to be talking about.

Whether you’re looking for new skin care, hair, makeup or nail products, consider shopping these brands and supporting female entrepreneurs at the same time. Ahead, 12 women-led beauty brands to know (and love).

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Often referred to as the “Eyebrow Queen,” founder Anastasia Soare created the Golden Ratio Eyebrow Shaping Method and built it into a worldwide brow empire. The Romanian-born entrepreneur is a beauty pioneer whose line of makeup products includes cult-favorites like the Brow Wiz Brow Pencil ($26), Brow Freeze Gel ($26) and more.

Anfisa Skin

Anfisa Skin founder Aly Korchemniy comes from the medical aesthetics space, so the brand’s products focus on delivering high-performance results while still looking chic. Bestsellers include the An-Gloss Ceramide Lip Tint ($45), a ceramide- and peptide-packed nourishing lip balm with a cooling metal applicator, and the An-Dew 10% Azelaic Acid and PHA Serum ($125), designed to help brighten, clarify and gently exfoliate.

Banu Skin

Founder Roz Samimi’s own experience with acne-prone skin helped inspire the creation of Banu Skin. The acne-safe skin-care line focuses on both prevention and treatment, packaged in warm, welcoming designs that make blemish care feel less clinical. The brand’s hero product, Sulfur Spot Treatment ($30), contains 10 percent sulfur to help draw out blemishes without the typical sulfur scent.

The Beachwaver Co.

As a women- and family-owned business that’s also self-funded, The Beachwaver Co. has been an innovative hair-care company since 2010. The brand transformed the hot-tool category with its Rotating Curling Iron ($99), a self-rotating curler that makes it easy for even beginners to style their hair. Cofounded by CEO and celebrity stylist Sarah Potempa, the brand has since expanded into several additional tools and hair products.

Curie

Aluminum-free deodorants have been the talk of the town the last several years, and founder Sarah Moret leaned into that quickly. With a background in venture capital and investing in early-stage startups, Moret was inspired to create a clean, aluminum-free deodorant: the Deodorant Stick ($14). If you’ve seen Curie on TV before, it may be because Moret also landed a deal on Shark Tank with Barbara Corcoran and Mark Cuban.

Jinson

Well-known in the nail editorial space, Jin Soon Choi—celebrity nail artist and founder of her eponymous JINsoon line of nail salons, polishes and nail-care products—is a mainstay at New York Fashion Week shows. You can bring the brand home with its Nail Polish ($18) and Cuticle Oil ($35).

Milk + Honey Spa

Beauty includes a trip to the spa, too. This spa and body-care brand founded by Alyssa Bayer offers a full range of wellness services across multiple states, including bath and body products, massages, facials, manicures and more.

OneSkin

OneSkin sets itself apart by its commitment to extensive scientific research. Cofounded by Brazilian female PhD scientists Carolina Reis Oliveira (CEO) and Alessandra Zonari (Chief Scientific Officer) studied peptides for years to eventually create the brand’s proprietary OS-01 peptide, which has been clinically shown to decrease the number of senescent (aging) cells and improve skin firmness, elasticity, radiance and more. The peptide is available in multiple products, including the OS-01 Face Moisturizer ($120).

S’Able Labs

Sabrina Elba sits at the helm of S’Able Labs, a genderless, melanin-inclusive skin-care line formulated with ethically sourced African botanicals. The brand’s Okra Face Serum ($75) is a fan favorite and contains retinol and peptides derived from the nutrient-rich vegetable to help stimulate collagen and decrease hyperpigmentation.

Sweed Beauty

Scandinavian beauty brands have been in focus lately, and one of the new power players is Sweed Beauty. Founded by makeup artist Gabriella Elio, the brand’s product line includes both makeup and skin care, including the bestselling Eyelash Growth Serum ($65).

Tower 28

This sensitive-skin-friendly brand founded by Amy Liu has a cult following thanks to its skin-care and makeup formulas. Many products have become customer favorites, including the SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray ($28), MakeWaves Mascara ($20) and Beach Please Cream Blush ($20).

Westman Atelier

Renowned makeup artist Gucci Westman’s namesake brand has been popular on TikTok lately, but the company has lasting power. Westman is known for creating dewy, “second-skin” makeup looks on celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow using the Baby Cheeks Blush Stick ($48) and the Vital Skincare Complexion Drops ($68).

Yes, You Can Actually Be ‘Allergic’ to Someone. Here’s How.

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Imagine meeting the love of your life, entering a relationship with them, and then belatedly realizing your literal body rejects the union. It sounds like some kind of sick cosmic joke, but anecdotal evidence suggests it could be a reality for some. In recent months, a number of personal stories about women speculating they are essentially “allergic” to their boyfriends or husbands—their words, not ours—have cropped up on social media, fascinating and horrifying in equal measure.

Classically, this sort of interpersonal “allergy” comes to light through recurrent UTIs after sex. But that’s not always the case: In one of the more high-profile examples, ice skater Alex Murphy Klein found out she was “immunologically incompatible” with her husband Paul’s DNA after the couple had a hard time conceiving. The headline of the resulting People magazine article: “Woman Learns She’s ‘Allergic’ to Her Husband After Years of Trying to Get Pregnant.”

Hence the fundamental question posed in the headline of this story: Can you actually be allergic to another person? If so, does that allergy work the same as a food or pollen allergy, or does it represent a different biological pathway entirely? And finally, is it something you can treat, just as you might pop a Zyrtec if you have hay fever? Read on for all the answers—and to find out what to do if you ever run into this issue firsthand. (Spoiler alert: Don’t worry—it’s not exactly common.)

Can you actually be allergic to another person?

When we did a little digging to investigate the extent of this phenomenon, we discovered a trove of Reddit posts from desperate people who suspect their romantic partner is the root cause of their puffy eyes or hive-riddled skin. “My boyfriend is long distance from the UK. Whenever he visits me (or I visit him) my skin gets really dry and I get acne,” one user wrote in the subreddit r/DermatologyQuestions. “The first time she stayed over she woke up with an allergic reaction. Puffy/swollen irritated eyes and hives on her neck and chest,” another user recounted in the subreddit r/Allergies. “I (21f) used to have eczema when i was a kid up until i was around 11. I haven’t had any crazy flare ups until 5 weeks ago, when symptoms started showing up about a week after I started seeing someone new,” yet another user told r/eczema. In case you were wondering, the alleged trigger doesn’t always have to be a romantic partner, either: Tutors, friends, and strangers have all been implicated as well. But since a handful of social media posts isn’t exactly rigorous scientific proof, we also reached out to a couple MDs for their thoughts on this phenomenon.

“Yes, you can be ‘allergic’ to another person,” Nana Mireku, MD, a board-certified allergy specialist based in Texas and a fellow of both the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (FAAAAI) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (FACAAI), tells SELF. To be clear, true interpersonal allergies are rare—many alleged cases probably involve some sort of environmental allergy (like an allergy to a specific personal hygiene product the person uses) rather than an allergy to the person themself—but they can and do occur.

What does an allergy to another person look like?

Several different mechanisms and conditions can be behind interpersonal allergies. Of these, one of the most intriguing is a syndrome known as “People Allergic to Me” (PATM), which refers to individuals whose skin gases supposedly provoke “allergy-like reactions” (think sneezing, coughing, eye redness, and runny nose) in others. Thus far, at least one published study has lent some credence to the idea: Japanese researchers analyzing skin gas profiles found that self-identified PATM patients exhibited a “significant difference” from non-PATM patients. Specifically, the study found the PATM patients emitted more petrochemicals, organosulfur compounds, and some aldehydes (including 39 times the normal amount of toluene, a chemical found in crude oil), among other distinctions—findings published in the scholarly journal Scientific Reports in 2023. While there hasn’t been much research on PATM thus far, cases have been reported in a number of countries, and the condition is slowly but surely amassing recognition within the medical community.

When is International Women’s Day? 2026 date, theme and marches

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It’s nearly International Women’s Day (IWD), a day dedicated to celebrating progress in women’s rights around the world. And yes, every day should be International Women’s Day.

For the past 19 years, Million Women Rise has taken to the streets of London around IWD to march against all forms of men’s violence against women and girls. The march, Esi Yankey, a spoken word artist, activist, and founder of Poetry Prescribed, tells Glamouris about “sisterhood and solidarity.”

“It’s a space where people grieve, where people laugh, where people drum, and where people can really feel held and supported.”

For International Women’s Day 2026, Eliza Hatch, the founder of Cheer Up Luv, went to the Million Women Rise march in London. You can check out some of the incredible placards and moments of sisterhood and community throughout this page.

Here’s everything you need to know about International Women’s Day 2026

When is International Women’s Day 2026?

International Women’s Day falls on 8 March every year. This year, it’s Sunday, 8 March GMT.

What is International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day is dedicated to celebrating women and their achievements, and a time to reflect on what we need to do to help make this world a fairer, more equal place. “Across the world, women and girls face diverse forms of injustices – from violations and violence, structural exclusion, economic injustice, conflicts and other forms of discrimination,” says Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, Deputy Executive Director of UN Women. “They stand in courtrooms, in the streets, online, and in places where the law has never fully protected them, striving for respect, protection, and seeking justice. Their stories may differ, but their reality is shared: nowhere in the world do women and girls fully enjoy substantive equality.”

IWD, she explains, is about women redefining justice. “International Women’s Day exists to amplify that momentum, to defend hard-won rights, confront the regression, stagnation and backlash against gender equality and women’s rights; and accelerate progress that means women and girls everywhere can live with safety, dignity and opportunity.”

It’s a vital moment to encourage everyone to stand for women’s rights, pushing for stronger laws and protections for women and girls everywhere. But it’s also a moment to celebrate the amazing work women everywhere are already doing.

“International Women’s Day is a reminder that when women and girls stand up for their rights, they don’t just change their own lives, they change the world,” says Nyaradzayi. “They create a world of peace and development in human rights for all.”

Why Pre-Shampoo Care Is the Secret to Healthy Hair

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Key Takeaways

  • Pre-shampoo care helps protect hair when it’s most vulnerable, since wet hair is more prone to breakage, it fortifies it from the inside before any additional care.
  • A targeted hair treatment for damaged hair can significantly reduce hair breakage.
  • OLAPLEX Nº.3PLUS delivers fast, molecular-level repair in just 3 minutes.

Jump to

When it comes to healthy hair, what you do before shampooing can be just as important as what comes after. Pre-shampoo care is often overlooked, but it’s a step that can help protect hair from breakage, reinforce strength, and support long-term hair health at the molecular level.

Whether your hair is color treated, heat styled, or simply exposed to natural everyday stress, adding a targeted pre shampoo treatment to your routine can make a visible difference in how your hair looks and feels.

What Is Pre-Shampoo Care?

Pre-shampoo care refers to treatments that are applied to the hair before cleansing to repair, strengthen, and protect strands from damage. Unlike traditional conditioners or masks, pre-shampoo treatments work on compromised hair internally, repairing the hair and helping it maintain health against heat, friction, and mechanical stress.

Using a pre-shampoo treatment is especially beneficial for anyone experiencing noticeable damage:

  • Hair breakage
  • Dryness or dullness
  • Split ends
  • Damage from chemical services or heat styling

Why Hair Is Most Vulnerable Before Washing

Hair is naturally more fragile when it’s wet, which means weakened strands can become overstretched or break more easily during washing. When hair lacks elasticity, it can stretch beyond its limit and snap instead of returning to its original shape. While shampooing is an important step for scalp and hair cleanliness, vulnerable hair may benefit from extra support to minimize additional stress during the cleansing process.

Using a pre-shampoo treatment helps fortify the hair from within, strengthening each strand so it’s more resilient. This added protection reduces breakage and helps maintain hair strength throughout the wash.

A high-performance hair treatment applied pre-shampoo helps reinforce hair from the inside out, reducing breakage and preserving strength during cleansing.

How Pre-Shampoo Treatments Help Prevent Hair Breakage

Adding a pre-shampoo treatment step to your routine can make a noticeable difference in the strength and resilience of your hair. These treatments work proactively to protect strands before cleansing, helping to minimize damage and maintain healthy structure over time. But how does it work to keep breakage at bay?

1. Strengthens Hair at the Molecular Level

Advanced pre-shampoo treatments work inside the hair fiber to repair bonds that have been compromised by color, heat, and environmental stress.

2. Reduces Breakage Instantly and Over Time

Stronger hair isn’t something you “feel” as much as something you stop noticing. When hair is weakened, it breaks during brushing, snaps while styling, and leaves short strands lying around wherever you go – i.e. “shedding”.

By reinforcing weakened areas from cuticle-to-cortex, pre-shampoo care helps hair feel stronger after just one use, meaning less breakage during styling and more resilience where your hair may be most vulnerable. With continued use, long-term hair strength helps strands stay intact so hair can retain length over time.

3. Improves Overall Hair Health

Consistent use leads to smoother texture, enhanced softness, and healthier looking hair from root to tip.

The OLAPLEX® Difference in Pre-Shampoo Care

There are plenty of pre-treatments that can be used, but OLAPLEX focuses on foundational hair health rather than temporary cosmetic results.

OLAPLEX Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment is the next evolution of the iconic Nº.3 Hair Perfector®, delivering deeper repair, faster results, and broader protection for all hair types.

How Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Is Different:

OLAPLEX Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment works internally using OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™ to repair all three bonds within the hair structure, from cuticle-to-cortex, helping the hair look and feel healthier with every wash.

The new formula also features Damage Defense Technology, which helps defend hair against future damage caused by heat, color, and mechanical stress, supporting long-term hair strength and length retention.

  • Repairs hair in just 3 minutes, restoring strength and softness quickly
  • 3x stronger hair, reinforcing the cortex to reduce breakage over time
  • 3x softer hair, instantly improving smoothness and manageability
  • 360° cuticle-to-cortex repair focused on all 3 hair bonds, strengthening the hair from the inside out
  • Improved length retention for all hair types, helping hair grow longer by preventing future damage

Follow with OLAPLEX Nº.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo and Nº.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner to help further repair hair bonds and restore hydration without weighing down the hair.

How to Use Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair as a Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Designed to fit seamlessly into your routine, the Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment delivers powerful repair in just 3 minutes. Used as an in-shower pre-shampoo treatment, it works before cleansing to help strengthen hair, reduce breakage, and support softer, healthier-looking hair from the very first step:

  1. In shower, wet hair and squeeze out excess water so hair is damp.
  2. Apply a generous amount of Nº.3PLUS, focusing on mid-lengths to ends.
  3. Leave on for 3 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
  4. Shampoo and condition as usual.

The Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment can be used 1-3 times per week, depending on your level of damage, to help maintain strong, resilient hair over time. Consistent pre-shampoo use helps reinforce hair at its most vulnerable stage, making each wash an opportunity to repair existing damage while defending against future stress.

The result is hair that feels smoother, looks healthier, and is better prepared for the rest of your haircare routine.

Is Pre-Shampoo Care Right for You?

If you’re dealing with breakage, dryness, or visible damage, pre-shampoo treatment is one of the most effective ways to restore hair health. While the pre-treatment works well on hair that has been compromised, it also works well on virgin hair, which is still susceptible to external stressors.

Healthy hair starts with repairing what’s broken from the inside. Adding a targeted pre-shampoo treatment like Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment helps ensure every wash supports stronger, healthier hair, both now and in the future. There are also plenty of other ways to help strengthen the hair. Check out other Strength & Elasticity products and start your journey to your healthiest hair yet.

Why Susie Built Purity Park in San Jose – 100% PURE

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The “Renter” vs. The “Owner”

In the beauty industry, there is a hidden reality that most people never see. The vast majority of skincare and makeup brands—even the high-end, luxury ones—don’t actually make their own products. They are what we call “renters.” They lease space in massive, third-party labs that produce formulas for dozens of different companies at the same time.

Think of it like a communal kitchen. One day, that kitchen might be making a “clean” serum, and the next, it might be processing industrial-grade detergents or heavy synthetic fragrances. Even with cleaning protocols, the risk of “noise”—the microscopic residues of harsh chemicals—is always there.

For our co-founders, Susie Wang and Ric Kostick, this wasn’t good enough. They didn’t want to just put their name on a bottle; they wanted to know exactly what was happening inside that bottle at every second of the process. They realized that to achieve the level of safety and stability they envisioned, they needed a sanctuary.

That sanctuary became Purity Park. Located in San Jose, California, it sits at the heart of Silicon Valley. We chose this location because it is the world’s hub for precision engineering and innovation. By building our own facility, we moved from being “renters” to being “owners.” We own the lab, we own the manufacturing, and we own the fulfillment. This is what we call vertical integration, and it is the reason we can stand behind every drop of product we create.

The Chain of Custody: Why Total Control is the Only Way

When you have sensitive skin, you are often playing a game of “detective.” You try a product, your skin reacts, and you spend hours scanning the ingredient list to find the culprit. But sometimes, the irritant isn’t even listed on the label. It could be a trace contaminant from a shared manufacturing vat or a filler ingredient used by a third-party lab to make the process easier.

Eliminating the Risk of “Noise”

At Purity Parkwe eliminate that risk through what we call the “Chain of Custody.” Because we manufacture everything in-house, we see every ingredient that comes through the back door. We know who grew it, how it was processed, and how it was stored.

Our facility features ISO-certified clean rooms—high-tech environments where we control every variable, from the temperature and humidity to the oxygen levels in the air. This is critical because, as we know from the story of Vitamin C, oxygen is the enemy of stability. By controlling the environment, we ensure that our potent botanicals stay “quiet” and effective, rather than oxidizing and becoming irritants.

The “Silicon Valley Halo” of Precision

Being in San Jose allows us to recruit some of the brightest minds in science and engineering. We treat our skincare like software—it needs to be bug-free, optimized, and constantly improving. We use advanced techniques like stabilization and cold-processing to ensure that when a product reaches your vanity, it is at its biological peak. We don’t just “source” beauty; we architect it with the same precision that goes into a high-end computer chip.

The Ethics of Engineering: The Beauty Bakery Concept

Purity isn’t just about what is in the bottle; it’s about the spirit in which the bottle was made. At 100% PUREwe don’t believe in “mass-market” timelines. Most brands make huge batches of products that sit in a warehouse for months, or even years, before they ever reach a customer. To keep those products from spoiling, they have to use aggressive preservatives and stabilizers.

Small, Fresh Batches

We operate on what we call the “Beauty Bakery” philosophy. Just as a bakery makes fresh bread every morning, we make our products in small, frequent batches right here in San Jose.

Why does this matter for your skin? Because botanical ingredients are “alive.” They have a biological pulse. The fresher the product, the higher the bioavailability—meaning your skin can actually recognize and absorb the nutrients. When you use a product from our lab, you are getting the “peak harvest” of that formula’s power. This allows us to use gentler, more skin-friendly preservation methods because the product isn’t designed to sit on a shelf for a decade.

Sustainable Standards

Our commitment to the environment is just as strong as our commitment to your skin. Purity Park is designed with sustainability in mind. By centralizing our operations in one facility, we reduce our carbon footprint and ensure that our ethical standards are met at every stage of production. From utilizing solar energy to reduce our reliance on the grid to implementing water-saving technologies, we believe that a truly “pure” product shouldn’t come at the cost of the planet.

From Our Lab to Your Ritual

The precision of Purity Park is most evident in The Sensitive-Skin Strength Ritual. Because we manufacture these products ourselves, we can guarantee the integrity of every ingredient.

The Matcha Factor

Take, for example, our Matcha Oat Face Scrub and Matcha Oat Milk Nourishing Mask. Matcha is incredibly sensitive to light and air; if it’s not handled correctly, it loses its antioxidant power almost immediately. Because we ground and process our matcha in-house, we can ensure it stays vibrant and potent. When you open that jar, you’re seeing the result of a controlled, stabilized process that preserves the tea’s natural ability to soothe and protect your skin.

The Seaberry Stabilization

Similarly, our Seaberry Moisturizer and Intensive Nourishing Facial Oil rely on delicate oils that are prone to oxidation. In a generic factory, these oils might be heated to high temperatures to speed up production, which can destroy their nutritional value. At Purity Parkwe use cold-processing and specialized emulsions to keep the Seaberry oils stable. This ensures that the high concentrations of omegas and vitamins reach your skin in their most powerful form, providing comfort and restoration without the need for synthetic “fixes.”

Conclusion: Our North Star

Purity Park is more than just a building; it is our “North Star.” it represents Susie and Ric’s refusal to compromise on their vision of radical integrity. By choosing to be “owners” rather than “renters,” we have created a sanctuary where science and nature can work together in perfect harmony.

When you see “Made in San Jose” on our packaging, know that it is a mark of authority. It means that every step of that product’s journey—from the first drop of rose water to the final seal—was overseen by people who care about your skin’s health as much as you do. We are proud to lead the way in ethical, high-performance beauty, proving every day that when you control the process, you can truly guarantee the purity.

FAQ Section: Understanding Vertical Integration

What does it mean to be “vertically integrated”?

In the simplest terms, it means we do everything ourselves. Most beauty brands hire one company to design the product, another to source the ingredients, another to manufacture it, and yet another to ship it. At 100% PUREwe own the entire process. We have our own R&D lab, our own manufacturing facility (Purity Park), and our own fulfillment center. This allows us to maintain a “Chain of Custody” that ensures the highest standards of safety, quality, and freshness.

Why is solar power important for skincare quality?

While we utilize solar energy as part of our commitment to the planet, it’s also a symbol of our overall engineering standards. Sustainable manufacturing requires a high level of technical oversight and investment. By integrating renewable energy sources into our facility, we are demonstrating that we value long-term health—for both our customers and the environment—over short-term industrial shortcuts. It’s all part of our mission to create a “cleaner” world, from the way we power our labs to the way we power your skincare.

How does small-batch manufacturing benefit sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin thrives on consistency and freshness. In large-scale, mass-market manufacturing, products often contain higher levels of aggressive preservatives to survive long transit times and shelf lives. Because we make our products in small batches at Purity Parkwe can use a more “Sophisticated” approach to preservation. Our products are fresher when they reach you, meaning the ingredients are more active and less likely to have degraded into potential irritants.

What is an ISO-certified clean room?

An ISO-certified clean room is a controlled environment where the concentration of airborne particles is kept to a minimum. In the beauty world, this is the gold standard for safety. It means that our products are formulated in a space that is incredibly clean, reducing the risk of contamination from dust, microbes, or other pollutants. This level of precision is part of our commitment to providing a “Safe Haven” for your skin.

Ready to experience the difference that “owned” beauty makes? Explore our full collection and see what happens when science-backed purity meets the heart of Silicon Valley.