The practical issue of storing soap in the shower is being addressed by a novel solid shampoo with a hanging hook, a product featured in this month's rundown of personal care innovations. In other news, speed and convenience are the focus of a new one second nail varnish remover, while the allure of smoking seems to be the inspiration behind an unusually designed face powder pack.
Starting in France, new for consumers in the country is the Ma Provence Shampoo Bar range from Bernard Cosmetics. Described as being composed of yellow clay, the product is a donut-shaped solid shampoo bar that comes in varieties for Normal Hair, Greasy Hair, and Dry Hair, as well as in an Anti-Dandruff option. Each pack contains the unusual addition of an adhesive hook, meaning the soap can be hung up when not in use. Given that storing wet bar soap in the shower can often be troublesome, the design of this product combined with the adhesive hook is a clever idea that could find favor with consumers.
Another novel soap product that has recently been introduced is the Natura Siberica Detox Soap with Activated Coal. New in Russia from Natura Siberika, it is available in a Lemongrass & Sea Buckthorn Oil variety, and is said to offer deep cleansing. The combination of lemongrass and sea buckthorn has not been seen in a cleansing soap before, despite a number of sea buckthorn detox soaps having previously been launched.
Meanwhile, convenience continues to be a favored idea of marketers in personal care, as demonstrated by a new launch from Bourjois in France that sees speed of use emphasized as the major attribute of a new nail varnish remover. The Bourjois Miraculous Nail Varnish Remover is said to remove varnish in one second without the need for accessories such as cotton buds. Speed and convenience are becoming the byword in an increasing number of categories, as manufacturers vie to appeal to consumers and their increasingly busy lifestyles.
Moving next to packaging, a novel cigarette lighter design could set the new Givenchy Eclat Matissime Fluid Foundation apart from other products in its category. The product is available in a choice of six shades (No 3 Mat Sand, No 4 Mat Beige, No 5 Mat Honey, No 6 Mat Gold, No 7 Mat Ginger, and No 8 Mat Amber), and is claimed to be the "ultimate skincare balance for a luminous and matte complexion." The pack's apparent similarity to a cigarette lighter could potentially open the company up to a charge of glamorizing smoking, although it is certainly a distinctive design that could have some appeal among younger female smokers.
Over in China, a new facial cleanser has been launched that is specifically targeted at pregnant women. The Iaai 3D Biosource Extra Concentrated Facial Cleanser is sold in tubes and is distributed by Shenzhen Yichusheng Technology. Although companies have previously introduced products such as soaps, bath products, and moisturizers targeted at pregnant women, this appears to be the first facial cleanser to be specifically aimed at this market.
Finally, staying in China, Yangshengtang YST Collagen Supplement is a kit containing seven plastic jars of collagen powder and seven plastic bottles of distilled water, with each pot of collagen powder designed to be mixed with one bottle of water before consumption. The single use bottles serve to preserve the product and make it more convenient to use according to manufacturer Hangzhou Yangshengtang Pharmaceutical. Whether or not the packaging is effective in terms of the preservation and convenience benefits it claims, the "science kit" design certainly helps to reinforce the product's pseudo-medical feel.