Beauty Industry News from the International Salon & Spa Expo

Salon and spa professionals are gathering at the 2010 ISSE convention in Los Angeles to see the latest tools, technologies and, of course, beauty products coming from a host of international manufacturers. We got a chance to meet with these companies and here are some of the highlights and new products you can expect to see in 2010. We’ll be covering all these hot new product categories in up-coming articles, so stay tuned for more!

Toxin Free Cosmetics

One major trend in the beauty business is a move toward toxin-free products (we knew that!). It seems the industry is catching on from consumer choices that we want clean, natural products that work. Some of the hottest natural brands we saw at the show include Iden Cosmetics with their line containing bee propolis and Malibu Wellness whose products contain no toxins and are rich with vitamin C and other natural ingredients. Also check out products from Rusk, with no sulfates, parabens petrochemicals or other harmful chemicals.

The Keratin Craze

Haircare is exploding with a variety of new hair straightening products…most of them touting ingredients from Brazil. The most popular ingredient is Keratin, an oil used in Brazil for decades but only now appearing internationally. You’ll find it in products from Brazilian Blowout and Global Keratin. Another contender is Marcia Teixeira.

Argon Oil: The Hottest New Oil from Morocco

We’re seeing some new oils popping up on the beauty & haircare scene. Actually, the oils are quite ancient, but their use in cosmetics products is an emerging trend. Most notable is the use of Argon Oil, produced from the Argania Spinosa tree in Morocco. This oil has been used for centuries in Northern Africa and is now finding its way into products from MoroccanOil and DermOrganic — each with an entire line of Argon Oil products. Other companies using this oil include Earthly Body and Agadir International.

Instant Anti-Aging Gels and Lotions

An interesting emerging category is the instant wrinkle-erasure gel. Products like Genie Instant Line Smoother, which tightens skin and fills pores for a younger look in seconds. It lasts all day and washes off easily. A similar product is called Gone in 60 Seconds, by AminoGenesis Corp.

Men’s Beauty Products

Although far from making headlines, companies are paying more attention to male skin and hair care products. A few of the noteworthy players in this field include Towel Dry Men’s Groomingwith their line of men’s shampoo, hair thickening and scalp-care products. Also, Jock Soap Facial Offensive is a facial firming and restoration serum with Hyaluronic Acid, seaweed and other natural nutrients. For daily haircare, there’s also Woody’s Grooming Products.