This month's roundup of the latest innovative personal care launches sees antibacterial hand-rubs - a category that has come into focus following recent concerns over pandemic diseases - become more mainstream, with one launch offering a range of indulgence-oriented fragrances. In other news, an on-the-go dietary supplement paste and an aerosol blusher are two of the more unusual recent launches.
New in the US and Canada, Bath & Body Works Pocketbac Antibacterial Hand Gel has been "inspired by delicious dessert drinks," according to the manufacturer. The "pocket sized" hand gel is said not only to cleanse and kill germs without water, but also to contain Tahitian palm milk to leave hands feeling moisturized and with "a hint of shimmer." The fragrances available are Pistachio Vanilla, Dipped Strawberry, Caramel Cocoa Whip, Raspberry Ganache Swirl, and Mocha Mousse. Despite recent increased activity in the market due to consumer fears about contagious disease, antibacterial hand gels have largely remained primarily functional products; a launch such as this, with its moisturizing ingredients and varied fragrances, may indicate that hand rubs are breaking away from this rather limited role, with a greater focus on indulgence and comfort.
Meanwhile, another food-inspired personal care offering is now on sale in Brazil. Kalya Jells Trufa Moisturising Body Gel comes in a choice of Chocolate and Strawberry, White Chocolate, Chocolate and Hazelnut, Chocolate and Passionfruit, and Chocolate and Cherry varieties. The product, which translates as "jelly truffle," is also described as containing a special formulation that provides gentle warmth when in contact with the skin. This range is further evidence of how associations with indulgent food - in this case truffle, jelly, chocolate, and fruit - can be used to give personal care products extra sensory appeal.
Staying in Brazil, Aspa Cosmeticos has launched the new Aspelle Dermocosmeticos Blusher, which is sold in an unusual aerosol dispenser, designed to offer enhanced convenience. According to the manufacturer, the blusher - which comes in shades called Majestic, Elegance, and Imperial - is easier to transport than a traditional blusher, as there is no risk of the product breaking or spilling when carried in a purse. While aerosols have previously been utilized for products such as foundation, this appears to be the first time the idea has been extended to blusher.
Another product aimed at on-the-go usage is Pastattiva Pastalax Dietary Supplement Paste, which has been launched in Italy by Denpas. The product, which is described as licorice flavored and is designed to improve digestion, comes in a tube and does not need to be taken with water. On-the-go formats in the supplement and over-the-counter medicine categories have mostly been restricted to lozenges and tablets. Paste formats are more unusual, perhaps because they are potentially more difficult to dose and dispense when on the go.
Moving to toothpaste, in Russia Nuga Medical has launched its new Nuga Best Toothpaste, based on a formula called tourmanium ceramic, which is described as comprising tourmaline, germanium, elvan, and volcanic minerals, alongside other ingredients. The toothpaste is claimed to prevent bacterial growth, gingivitis, periodontitis, infection, decay, and tartar formation, as well as reducing unpleasant odors, healing gums, and having a whitening effect on the teeth. Tourmanium ceramic appears to be a new ingredient for the toothpaste category, and if Nuga Medical is to be believed, it seems to have a multitude of virtues, from preventing infection to whitening teeth and eliminating odors.
Finally, in the UK Oriflame has launched its new Oriflame Love Potion Eau de Parfum, a women's fragrance described as an "aphrodisiacal alchemy of spicy ginger, cocoa blossom, and enticing chocolate." The fragrance comes in an unusual and striking thin "teardrop" design, which should help it capture consumer attention on the crowded perfume shelves.