Summer 2024 has been another great few months for CCUK, we've had 3 longstanding members renew their membership (see below) and 7 exciting new members join the cluster. All represent the diversity that typify our membership and are a great contribution to the growing cluster.
Please go take a look at our new and renewed members' websites and get in touch with them if you have a project or any specific requirements.
New Members July - October 2024
Sun Bear Biofuture is an Oxford-based start-up working on sustainable everyday ingredients, starting with an alternative to palm oil. By using precision fermentation of their patent-pending yeast strain, they are able to produce a range of fats and oils that reduce the land and CO2 footprint of ingredients by over 80%, while significantly improving supply chain security.
Since their inception two years ago, Sun Bear Biofuture has developed and tested its fermentation process to pilot scale, and is working towards scaling beyond this in 2025 for commercialisation. They have extensive experience built through their internal lab team and partnerships with University College London, AberInnovation and the Biorenewables Development Centre.
Sun Bear Biofuture is currently testing its ingredients in a range of personal care applications, and is looking to partner with organisations on product and functional evaluation.
For further information: https://www.sunbearbiofuture.com/
Labskin Limited produces a 3D, full thickness human skin equivalent for testing of skincare, personal care, topical pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The Labskin constructs produce their own extracellular matrix proteins, skin barrier proteins and antimicrobial peptides. This means we can host the skin microbiome on the constructs surface and assess effects on the microbiome balance as well as the skin responses. Labskin constructs can be used to assess wound healing, cytotoxicity, inflammation, irritation and sensitisation, anti-ageing effects, anti-acne and anti-dandruff effects. As well as the gold-standard Labskin-S constructs, we have the newly launched Labskin-M constructs which also contain melanocyte cells, the cells that produce the melanin pigment.
Labskin Limited produce the Labskin constructs for use in companies own R&D labs. The constructs are supplied ready to use with several exchanges of culture media. Labskin Limited also performs contract research studies, employing our extensive skills in cell biology, microbiology, histology and molecular biology. Labskin Limited is capable of designing, performing and reporting complex studies to meet market demands.
For further information: https://labskin.co.uk/
Sequential is a pioneer in the microbiome testing world. Having initially launched the world’s first at-home, consumer skin microbiome test in 2019, and with over 4 years of R&D into the human microbiome have developed out their R&D testing and formulation platform. They are backed by the global leaders such as Innovate UK, Enterprise SG, A*STAR, Genome Institute of Singapore, SOSV, Metaplanet, Scrum Ventures, Corundum Systems Biology, and operate three independent labs in London, Singapore and NYC.
For further information: https://www.sequential.bio/
The Cosmetic Experts are an expert partnership in the cosmetic field and are based in Hampshire UK. With a combined experience of over 50 years in the cosmetic industry, they offer a unique consultancy service in cosmetic formulation development and technical/regulatory affairs. Their aim is to deliver your vision from product concept creation through formulation development while addressing all the regulatory requirements and comply with the different markets.
The Cosmetic Experts provide bespoke product formulation, development and regulatory services within the cosmetic and personal care sector.
Their main services are:
Formulation development
Safety Data Sheets
IFRA documentation
Regulatory services
Why choose The Cosmetic Experts?
According to The Cosmetic Experts, their long experience in the manufacturing industry will help to prevent pitfalls. Their extensive knowledge in the field will allow for quicker answers to your needs. They can adapt to your specific needs whether it is a temporary or longer-term support you are looking for as a cost-effective solution to taking on a full-time employee. With their links to suppliers, testing houses and manufacturers they can help start-ups brands to navigate in the cosmetic industry.
For further information: https://www.thecosmeticexperts.co.uk/
Here2Grow Cosmetics & Homecare Labs is a cutting-edge innovation arm to blue companies and indie brands, providing regulatory expertise, ideation, R&D and testing solutions for market success; and was created by Vinetta Brew and Dr Henry Brew 13 years ago.
Dr. Henry Brew, CEO of Here2Grow Cosmetics & Homecare Labs, based in Selby, UK, is a seasoned R&D specialist with a passion for product innovation and testing. As a FMCG Product Development Scientist, he has created breakthrough technologies for global giants Unilever, Kenvue, Clorox and Geno; alongside award-winning collaborations with leading UK trichologists. He drives the development of cutting-edge solutions that align with both consumer needs and industry regulations.
Vinetta Brew, Director of Regulatory Compliance at Here2Grow Cosmetics & Homecare Labs, leads regulatory and compliance strategies for cosmetics, medical devices, and OTC products. She has a deep understanding of industry standards and ensures that clients' products meet all safety and regulatory requirements, supporting them from innovation through to commercialisation. She has worked with top brand owners Church & Dwight, Reckitt, and Ansell Healthcare, advocating integrating regulatory compliance into their early product development lifecycle, to de-risk innovation.
For further information: https://here2grow.com/
For over 20 years, Hepworth Browne has delivered the highest-quality advice on all intellectual property matters. All of Hepworth Browne’s services are delivered cost-effectively by experienced nationally and internationally qualified patent and trade mark attorneys practicing in all fields of IP endeavour. With an ethos designed to provide direct and immediate access to partners, our national UK clients, direct international clients, and a strong network of fellow IP attorneys are each assured of sage and commercially astute counsel. Each of our attorneys is able both to draw from a pool of complementary team talents and a wealth of individual experiences acquired in private practice, directorship-level responsibility, and corporate management. We will not shy away from asking the tough questions or developing and recommending alternative strategies to achieve commercial goals. Hepworth Browne’s philosophy is that each partner has direct responsibility for their clients’ portfolios, so we each operate to develop a personalized partnership that aligns and grows with your expectations for quality, responsiveness, and success.
For further information: https://hepworthbrowne.com/
RIPCELL is a unique waste2value company – using state of the art clean tech to extract valuable, high purity and sustainable bio-chemicals from the by-products of whisky fermentation. We are working with the largest distilleries in the world to produce the most sustainable and lowest carbon footprint chemicals on the market! Our alpha hydroxy acids are premium grade, vegan, bio-based, sustainable, and eco-friendly. These hero ingredients improve customer’s sustainability and environmental profiles, whilst conserving water on a large scale
For further information: https://ripcell.co.uk/
Renewed Members July - October 2024
Gary Baylis, of Export Access, the UK representative of Registrar Corp, shared the following update regarding the MoCRA legislation in the USA. “The regulatory landscape for cosmetics exported to the USA changed dramatically last year with the passing into law by the U.S. Congress of MoCRA - the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act. The deadline for compliance has now passed, and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) began enforcing the new regulations on 1st. July 2024. Any exporter of cosmetics to the USA that has not yet reviewed their MoCRA compliance responsibilities is now risking encountering serious problems - detention or refusal of entry - at the hands of the FDA.
Any companies clinging to the hope that, as they are eligible for the Small Business Exemption, they will escape their responsibilities, are likely to be seriously disappointed. The FDA has no means of discerning or confirming that companies are exempt under the SBE. So, when products arrive in the USA, all consignments will be subject to random inspection and at risk of detention, if no registration or listing information has not been supplied. Indeed, the FDA has already begun to request this information from exporters. More ominously, several major retailers (e.g. Walmart, see here) have issued notices to all of their suppliers requiring them to comply fully with MoCRA, with no allowance made for companies eligible for the Small Business Exemption.
One particular area of concern is that the UK has a number of large e-commerce traders who export a wide range of products (e.g. boxes) on a B2C basis, which are just as likely to be detained by the FDA as larger B2B consignments. As such, said traders really need to have a dialogue with their suppliers to ensure that manufacturing facilities are registered and brand owners have listed their products and made sure their labelling is compliant, especially since all cosmetic products now need to have an Adverse Event Contact on labels or packaging”.
Registrar Corp USA has now helped more than one thousand companies around the world understand and comply with MoCRA. This article, by Jaclyn Bellomo, Registrar Corp's Senior Director of Cosmetic Science and Regulatory Affairs, who contributed to a joint webinar with CCUK and Santander UK bank last year, offers a Complete Guide to MoCRA.
For further information: https://exportassist.com/
The cosmetics industry is a competitive and dynamic sector driven by creativity and innovation, according to Gateley Legal.
"At Gateley we have a unique combination of legal professionals, patent and trade mark attorneys, and IP commercialisation experts who are passionate about supporting innovation in the cosmetics and beauty sector. Our blend of expertise means that we help clients to protect, commercialise and enforce their IP rights, whilst considering the wider commercial and legal perspectives at every stage.
With extensive experience in the sector, gained both in-house and in private practice, we work with companies of all sizes, from start-ups and spinouts to SMEs and multinational companies. Our team of specialists provide IP support for every stage of the business lifecycle including:
Freedom to operate and brand clearance searches to identify potential IP risks prior to launch
Patent protection for new product formulations
Design registration for products and packaging
Advice on disputes relating to copyright, trade marks, passing off, patents, confidential information, design rights and domain names
IP assessment for companies looking to buy, sell, licence or assess IP portfolios for other legal or financial reasons
In addition to IP support, Gateley also has a team of consultants that specialise in advising clients on valuable innovation tax incentives for R&D activities and the sale of patented products.
Find out how we could help you harness the value of your innovations. We are offering all members of the Cosmetics Cluster UK an initial 20-30 minute call to discuss your IP queries, at no charge and with no obligation. To request a call simply click here and fill out the form, entering code IP4CCUK24 in the message box".
For further information: https://gateleyplc.com/gateley-legal/
"We are growing the upcycled beauty movement by informing, inspiring and enabling the use of upcycled materials in personal care. We are uplifting and shouting about others also working in this circular space, even our competitors, as we believe a global move towards circularity is essential for the future.
The linear economy is driven by growth and profits – but circular businesses can quantify success in many ways. Through the health, happiness and productivity of employees, through contributions towards local communities and through positive environmental impacts to name just a few.
We are a young and small team driven by a mission much larger than ourselves. Our vision is reflected throughout our company, the collaborative way in which we work and the circular community we are building. We look after our people and planet first and apply these values in everything we do".
Circular beauty project update
Collateral projects beauty team, Victoria Morgan and Florence Roghe, is extremely proud to be partnering with a wonderful team of experts on a circular beauty project! A wonderful team of passionate experts Arkive, WE BOX IT, Food for Skin | B Corp and The Upcycled Beauty Company!
"This is such an exciting project, together we’re redefining circular beauty and pushing the boundaries of traditional product development with sustainable, upcycled, circular practices at the heart, without compromising on quality & efficacy". Victoria Morgan NPD Consultant at collateral projects.
"I like to call it Beauty with Soul! A highly inspirational project that contributes to new ideas and addresses beauty in a different way. It's about using what we already have (and we have a lot) and giving it a second life". Florence Roghe Founder at collateral projects.
For further information : https://www.thecosmeticexperts.co.uk/
Keratify offers world class laboratory skin testing for confidence and clarity in formulation selection. Their patented OneVivo technology creates the new gold standard in permeation analysis. They address the core limitations in skin testing to provide a seamless transition from lab to humans.
Their patented technology was developed from 20 years of dermatology research experience. They have uniquely engineered a system which extends the viability of excised human skin in the lab. This permits new testing capabilities, from repeated dosing to mimic a range of exposure scenarios, skin surface imaging to assess the visual impact of a product on skin, to new advances in skin irritation testing. They can support the testing of any production, from a formulation to a microneedle or injected product. Contact hello@keratify.com for exceptional skin testing to ensure products have the greatest chances of success.
Keratify is also establishing a consortium for extended skin testing analysis with the University of Hertfordshire and Queen Mary University London. Contact them by 10th October 2024 if you would like to be involved.
For further information: https://www.keratify.com/
Melbec Microbiology are one of Britain’s leading UKAS accredited testing laboratories. Since their launch in 2013, they have worked with customers from many countries to deliver the best service and support for all. Their staff have many years’ experience and technical expertise in their chosen fields, delivering a plethora of standard and bespoke testing for cosmetics, personal care products, biocidal products, wound care, UV disinfectant devices, virucidal products and water testing.
Many of their services are UKAS accredited, including their flexible scope award for biocidal testing and their vegan accreditation for cosmetic testing. Melbec pride themselves on being able to offer their clients a vegan cosmetics testing solution of this kind, by being able to perform both Preservative Efficacy Testing (PET; ISO 11930) and Batch Release / Quality Control (QC) testing under both their UKAS scope of accreditation and their Vegan Society Certification.
Their experienced safety assessors also offer a dedicated regulatory service to ensure your products are safe for the marketplace.
They have a variety of training courses to help strengthen your team’s knowledge and can work with you to create bespoke training courses with content that is unique to your needs and company focus.
They welcome visits to their lovely lab in Haslingden, Rossendale. "Come and meet our fantastic team".
For further information: https://www.melbecmicrobiology.co.uk/
Barentz is a specialty ingredients distributor with a dedicated division for personal care, focused on delivering high-quality solutions to the beauty and personal care industry. Their key principle is to leverage the expertise of their knowledgeable team and formulation specialists, ensuring that they provide the best possible service to their clients. Driven by a passion for innovative ingredients, their applications labs are designed to assist customers in overcoming the challenges associated with integrating new ingredients into their formulations. By prioritizing collaboration and innovation, Barentz is committed to helping brands create effective and sustainable products that resonate with consumers.
For further information: https://www.barentz.com/
"Arthur Edward is the leading recruitment agency in Beauty, Cosmetics and Personal Care, connecting exceptional talent with leading companies for over 20 years.
Finding top talent all along the product lifecycle, we pride ourselves on building diverse, high-performing teams that drive success for indie startups, private investment companies and the largest beauty brands in the world.
What sets us apart is our collaborative approach and deep industry engagement. Our recruitment consultants bring in-depth knowledge, supported by an extensive database of 30,000+ industry contacts. We promote careers in beauty at University events, publish an annual Salary Survey & Industry Report, and maintain active involvement in all areas of the beauty community.
By understanding your unique needs, we deliver tailored recruitment solutions that ensure the perfect match between talent and opportunity", says the company.
For further information: https://www.arthuredward.com/
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