A nail varnish pen that is designed for use on the go headlines this month's roundup of launches from the personal care industry. In other news, a face lotion claims to mimic the effect of laser treatments by reflecting UV light, while fruit and dessert flavors are emerging in the lip balm category and turmeric is an unusual active ingredient in a new toothpaste.
Starting in Brazil, Oceane Femme Indispensavel Nail Polish Remover Pen is a new launch that is designed to make it possible to remove remnants of nail varnish while on the go. The product is described as being free from acetone and lime fragranced, and the consumer is advised to pass the tip of the pen over the nails to remove varnish easily and accurately. Although many cosmetics emphasize ease and precision of application as an important benefit, this is rarely extended to make-up removers, although if this product is successful the idea may be utilized for more launches in the category.
Moving to North America and the skincare market, DERMAdoctor Photodynamic Therapy Lotion is a product that contains a formulation claimed to replicate the effect of laser treatments by capturing UV light and reflecting it into red light energy. The lotion from DERMAdoctor is described as containing noni extract, and is claimed to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and redness while enhancing skin elasticity and radiance. Given that the sun's UV rays are generally considered to be harmful, it is unusual to see a face lotion that claims to actively reflect sunlight to improve the appearance of the skin.
In France, meanwhile, a new launch shows that there is still scope for innovation within the lip balm category, with Surya Brasil's latest product range including new Brazilian-inspired extracts that have not previously been seen. Along with Chocolate and Mint and Chocolate, the new line of Surya Brasil Moisturizing Lip Balm includes Acai Berry, Strawberry and Buriti, and Cinnamon and Cupuacu variants. These combinations are new to the category, and show the extent to which Amazonian extracts have now penetrated the consumer goods industry.
Another lip balm range looking towards unusual flavor ideas is the Vaseline Lip Therapy Petroleum Jelly line from Unilever, in which a limited edition Creme Brulee flavor has been made available. The indulgence-oriented flavor has been seen previously in lip balm, but is unusual territory for a product range that has largely focused on relatively traditional formulations.
In the toothpaste category, unusual natural formulations continue to make their mark in Russia and the surrounding markets. The most recent of these is the new Flora version of Lacalut Toothpaste, which is claimed to contain a combination of turmeric, allantoin, and olive oil. The formula apparently has cleansing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and refreshing effects, as well as combating the formation of plaque and tartar. The use of turmeric in the formulation appears to be a first, albeit a seemingly counterintuitive choice given the spice's strong yellow color and tendency to stain.
Finally, in France novelty packaging is on the agenda for perfumier Azzaro. Its new Azzaro Decibel Eau de Toilette for men - described as a spicy Oriental combination of mandarin, aldehyde, licorice, violet, incense, vetiver, tonka bean, and vanilla notes - is sold in bottles designed to resemble a microphone, with a gloss black glass body and silver mesh effect cap. It is a striking design, but it remains to be seen whether consumers will see the novelty shape as attractive or aspirational.