Thursday, November 13, 2008

Senior Chemist Inducted Into SCC

Our very own Cinda Carlson, Senior R & D Chemist, was inducted as the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) Midwest Chapter's 2009 Chair-Elect this week. As of November, 2009 she will assume the Chair position for 2010.

The SCC is a volunteer organization dedicated to the advancement of Cosmetic Science. The Midwest Chapter has about 350 members from the area.

About the SCC:
Dedicated to the advancement of cosmetic science, the Society strives to increase and disseminate scientific information through meetings and publications. By promoting research in cosmetic science and industry, and by setting high ethical, professional and educational standards, they reach their goal of improving the qualifications of cosmetic scientists. Their mission is to further the interests and recognition of cosmetic scientists while maintaining the confidence of the public in the cosmetic and toiletries industry.

Comprised of over 4,000 members, the Society of Cosmetic Chemists was founded in 1945 to promote high standards of practice in the cosmetic sciences. They serve as a focus and provide the proper forums for the exchange of ideas and new developments in cosmetic research and technology.

To learn more, go to www.scconline.org

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Everyone's talking about...

Alternatives to the Knife

These powerful new products are said to rival the buzz-worthy results that made Botox® a household name. They're the front runners of a new wave of age-reversal technology, and they're gaining the respect of skin gurus and health-nuts alike. While the general public is still desperate for the dramatic, wrinkle-blasting results of plastic surgery, they're wising up to its dangerous risks, and are seeking out safer, more natural methods. After all, no on wants a frozen face, and the tell-tale signs of plastic surgery can look tacky.

These highly advanced anti-aging ingredients work because they affect the source of deep wrinkles–the contraction of muscles used during facial expression–particularly in the forehead and around the eyes. Sounds similar to Botox®, but it's quite different. These sophisticated new ingredients target wrinkle-forming mechanisms
topically, producing astounding results without invasive procedures.

But you won't find them at your local drugstore. Women, cosmetologists, and even some men are going crazy trying to get their hands on these miraculous products. So how can you get a hold of these highly coveted ingredients and increase the value and efficacy of your own products?

Concept Labs proudly offers a multitude of cutting-edge ingredients and unique formulas that can make your products competitive and original. To find out more about how you can make your product line better and trump the competition, contact us at info@conceptlabs.org, or call us at (773) 395-7300. We look forward to helping you get your products up and running and on the shelves!

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Concept Welcomes New R&D Chemist

The Concept R&D team is pleased to welcome Cinda Carlson. Carlson’s rich background in formulation and quality will enhance and expand Concept’s cleaning, pet care, skin care and OTC capabilities. She will be bringing in more advanced equipment, providing faster turnaround, and coming up with new ways to integrate the newest innovations and technologies.

Before joining Concept in June, Carlson was a formulator for Unilever Hair Care R&D, where she worked on Suave hair care. She has also held various Quality positions at companies such as Helene Curtis, Inc. Carlson welcomes the transition from a large, corporate operation to a smaller, more intimate firm like Concept.

“I enjoy the diversity of formulations and speed to market. Coming from a system where it could take as long as 12 months for a project to go to market, it’s refreshing to see how swiftly ideas are generated and brought to fruition. It’s a very rare thing.”

She’s also adjusted well to working without the bureaucratic hurdles often encountered in the corporate environment. “At Concept, we deal directly with each other, so it’s much easier to be heard—ideas develop more freely and spontaneously.”

Carlson holds a Masters in Chemistry from Illinois State University and is a member of the American Chemical Society, a board member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, and has been inducted into Sigma Xi, an honorary research society. An Illinois native, Carlson lives in suburban Chicago with her husband. They have two sons and three grandchildren. When not toiling away at the lab, she can be found toiling away in her garden.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Hydroquinone Alternative Inspires All-Natural Skin Care Line

As the controversy rages over OTC Hydroquinone products, there is a rush to find safe, natural and effective alternatives to the FDA-approved, skin-lightening ingredient.

If the recently proposed ban goes into effect, Hydroquinone will be available in the US by prescription only. Even if the ban is dropped, and these skin care products stay on the shelves, their popularity will undoubtedly suffer as people turn to newer, safer alternatives.

“Brightening” products have exploded onto the market as a result of the controversy. While many of these products do what they say, the claims simply aren’t there and results are less concrete their Hydroquinone-based counterparts.

Concept Laboratories’ challenge was to strike a balance between “lightening” and “brightening” skin care products. We searched for something that had the proof and claims similar to Hydroquinone, but was also completely safe, stable, and natural.

And we found it.

Extracted from Indian “gooseberries,” Emblica has revealed countless, proven benefits to the skin. Emblica’s high levels of antioxidant Vitamin C, along with various minerals, tannins and amino acids, present several results to hyperpigmented skin. Extensive clinical testing has shown that Emblica:
• visibly lightens areas of hyperpigmentation in as little as 3 weeks
• shows significant lightening of sunspots in 8 weeks
• dramatically brightens and improves uneven, dull complexions
While primarily recognized for its skin lightening profile, Emblica also:
• significantly reduces the appearance of wrinkles in just 2 weeks
• can slow vital collagen loss by up to 70%
• helps skin recover from UV damage

With so many various benefits to all types of skin, Emblica makes an ideal cornerstone ingredient for an all-natural, cosmetic skin care line, let alone a fade cream. Its versatile formulation abilities allow for a diverse collection that encompasses day creams, night creams, concentrated serums, daily cleansers, body lotions, under eye gels and more.

We’ve been working with fade creams since our inception, and we are thrilled to have found a Hydroquinone-free alternative that is also 100% natural and safe.

So, with whatever the outcome—ban or no ban, OTC or prescription—Concept Laboratories is prepared to offer whatever skin lightening solution the consumer demands.

revamped!

We created this blog back in 2005, in response to the sudden groundswell of business blogs. At the time, we hadn’t realized just what an important tool it could be for opening a richer dialogue between our prospective clients and us.

Having observed the massive rise and expansion of blogging culture, it makes sense to me that, as Concept Laboratories evolves, so should our communication methods.

Better late than never, after all.

I’d like to use this post to introduce you readers to Concept’s revamped blog and the newly assembled blogging team who will manage it. This blog will serve as a compendium of information and research about the latest trends, technologies, formulations and innovations in safe and natural skin care solutions—along with Concept’s abilities to utilize them.

In other words, all the new and interesting information that arises too rapidly to cram onto our main company website (www.conceptlabs.org).

More than anything, however, I am hoping that our revamped blog will encourage further comments, feedback, opinions and input from clients and readers alike. It is of utmost importance to keep these lines of communication free and open, in order for us to provide the best service to our clients all over the world.

So, please, enjoy the new blog—and let us know what you think!

Sincerely,
Adam Lustbader
President