Happy Days are Here Again… As of July 1^st we started batching more Vault products in order for you to have complete Anti-Aging, Acne, Sensitive and Brightening product systems, at more doable prices. The Vault products are only available in bulk, and filling minimums still apply, however one (1) to three (3) gallons of a batched product are now more favorably priced.

In addition to the new batched Vault products, we have added brand new formulas to our Vault offering – giving you more opportunities to be a hero for your clients.

Please contact a Sales or Account Executive to get the updated Vault Price List and Catalog.

ORGANICALLY INTRIGUING

We started our USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) Certification with gusto and after our Regulatory Department has worked on the paperwork for countless hours, we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel!

There have been times during the process when we questioned if it was necessary to get the NOP certification due to that the USDA does not oversee the ‘organic’ claims made in skincare. However, we knew that there would come a day when an independent body would take matters into their own hands and mandate that products are NOP certified if the word “organic” is used on product labeling. Well… it isn’t farfetched, but it is intriguing, that Whole Foods Market is the first (that we have seen) non-regulatory body to enforce their independent organic guidelines. Here is their blog, if you are interested in reading more…

 http://blog.wholefoodsmarket.com/2010/06/organic-labeling-for-body-care/

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM,  

WE ALL SCREAM FOR A DREAM CREAM!

What is a dream cream? I think it is safe to say that we all have our own vision of the ingredients that make up a dream cream, serum, elixir, et al. As many of you are aware, CoValence is not unlike every other manufacturer in the skincare industry. We are all questioning whether the process of reformulating products is a need of safety and sustainability, or simply consumer demand?

The answer is probably a little bit of both. Two different industry magazines succinctly touched on the topic in regards to how consumer demand could be creating industry changes that are not necessarily the best for any of us.

NewScientist’s March 13, 2010 issue mentioned that while we are moving towards more renewable ingredient resources, “…they can be far from environmentally benign…” In Cosmeticsdesign.com, Katie Bird wrote in her June 15^th article, “Manufacturers are reformulating to tick all the consumer’s boxes, which in itself is dangerous as this is a moving target…”

 What does all of this mean? It means… know your facts about ingredients, safety, sustainability, etc. and do not panic if you read something new on a blog. Understand that not all ‘natural’ ingredients are the best choice just as you should not be afraid of ‘lab derived” ingredients. The world consists of the good, the bad and the ugly ingredients – albeit subjective. Our job is to utilize the ‘good’ and educate everyone on the ‘bad’ and ‘ugly’.

ARE YOU DOING YOUR BODY GOOD?

Debates continue to erupt amongst industry experts and scientists over Vitamin D and the role it plays on our skin. There have been recent discussions over whether Vitamin D should be ingested orally or produced naturally within the body. In the article, “To D or Not to D: Many Still Question Vitamin D,” posted by Cosmetic & Toiletries, we learn that the majority of current research on Vitamin D is both “inconclusive and often contradictory.”  Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Consequently, the consumer is left to judge and make that decision for us because, as mentioned in the previous article, ultimately they are the ones who drive the market.

Even more pressing is the use of sunscreens and “their potential to block Vitamin D production in the body.”  In the article, Henry Lim, MD writes, “…proving that Vitamin D could prevent certain illnesses would require large studies that no pharmaceutical manufacturers would support.” With that said, it is imperative for manufacturers such as ourselves to remain knowledgeable about industry news such as this.  We must do our part to provide consumers with a product that will ultimately benefit their body and perhaps protect it at the same time. It is like that old saying repeated by Zoe Diana Draelos, MD in the Cosmetics & Toiletries post, “You can have too much of a good thing.” It is important for us all to remember that moderation is the key. Whether you choose to get your fill of Vitamin D orally, or the old fashioned way, just be wise and be careful-no one knows your body better than YOU!

 Formulation note… Vitamin D in skincare is not accepted in many countries; Almond Oil contains a natural supply of Vitamin D.

 NEED A GOOD MECHANIC?

We dare say that there are only a few of us that could call ourselves mechanically inclined when it comes to cars, appliances and our skin. Our skin? Yes, our skin! However, rest assured… even if you are not the best mechanic for your skin, CoValence develops with ingredients that trigger skin mechanisms which result in perfectly tuned up skin.

Back in November 2009 we brought Renovage™ to your attention. Renovage™ triggers and stabilizes the mechanism of telomere shortening, prolonging cell life by 1/3. Not too shabby for a skincare ingredient. Is it?

Another extremely efficient mechanism ingredient that we introduced to you in August 2009 is, LONGEVICELL^®. This botanical extract from myrtle, is rich in oligogalacturonans and has been proven to slow down the senescence factors plus activate the SIRT1 (Sirtuin) expression in skin —  increasing the life of cells. LONGEVICELL^® is a true cell regenerator and guardian of tissue longevity erasing the first signs of aging.

It is our pleasure to introduce “Most wanted antioxidant” to you…  Thiotane (L-ergothioneine). This powerful chiral antioxidant is a natural amino acid, MMPi, UVA/UVB protector, products energy, scavenges free radicals, recycles Vitamin C like Vitamin E, neutralizes ozone, inhibits tyrosinase and, last but not least, it has been found to be far superior to CoQ10 and Idebenone! Need we say more?

PLANT STEM CELLS

The Apple Stem Cells started a revolution in skincare thanks in part to its intense research showing that a plant stem cell could actually combat aging, reducing and preventing wrinkles. With its immense popularity, a handful of new plant stem cells followed suit.

CoValence owns, along with the Apple Stem Cell, six (6) more additional beautiful and potent plant stem cells. To get the most marketing mileage out of a product that contains plant stem cells, we recommend that you formulate (*) with the Apple Stem Cells and then add one (1) or two (2) booster plant stem cells from the other six (6) choices…

Centella Asiatica Stem Cells… firms, restructures and improves skin tone and elasticity – offers relief for Rosacea sufferers.

 Echinacea Stem Cells… revitalizes dull, tired skin, restoring radiance – assists with collagen production.

Edelweiss Stem Cells… prevents collagen loss and aging of skin – benefits the eye contour area.

 Butterfly Bush Stem Cells… boosts skin’s defense towards environmental elements and protects against photoaging – offers MMPi and UV stress protection.

Lilac Stem Cells… reduces sebum, bacteria and inflammation – complete treatment for acne disorders.

Sea Fennel Stem Cells (**)… reinforces antioxidant protection, regulates keratogenesis and pigmentation disorders — complete anti-aging solution.

 (*) Plant Stem Cells work best in a cream or lotion base.

(**) The Sea Fennel Stem Cells are a new favorite of our R&D Team. Due to the ingredient’s lead-time our production time line could stretch up to 10 to 12 weeks. However, we feel the extra few weeks will be worth the wait!

“Founded in the late 1980s as a scientific-based professional skin care manufacturing company, CoValence has grown to become an ingredient technology leader under the guidance of founder and CEO Linda Walker. The success of this evolution was fostered, in part, by two underlying initiatives: Understand and adopt the philosophy of the client, and constant focus on forward-thinking strategies.

“The success of CoValence and our clients does not lie with just me. It is a collaborative effort with every one of our employees,” she says. “We have had brilliant ideas from individuals in every department. If the idea will help our clients, we will implement it. We will continue to put our clients first and, ultimately, give them a competitive edge—which everyone rightfully deserves.”

She understands that a client’s competitive edge is forged in partnership and by assuming the onus of developing products that suit the philosophy of the client. For example, it means understanding whether clients are science-driven or have a natural focus, and then guiding them to choices that best suit their individual philosophies.

“It is up to us, the manufacturer, to diligently research ingredient and marketing trends in order to understand the concept of a product so our clients can concentrate on their strengths,” she says. “In an effort to give our clients a big competitive edge, we have added our own proprietary ingredient development initiative. We understand that, as a personal care contract and private label manufacturer, the path toward success is to continue with our new technology research and implementation, as well as perfect all of our services that set us apart from other manufacturers.”(Note: In 2008, the company was a finalist for Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine’s Best New Technology award for the creation of Mitoprotect.)”

Read the whole article here or pick up the January issue of GCI Magazine.