COSMOFACTORY

Courageous beauty startups are finding opportunity in mature markets, developing premium brands that compete with commodity goods.
 
This week on CosmoFactory, we hear from a challenger brand in the premium shave category. Our guest is Allegra Violante, CEO and Co-Founder of Fler, a design-forward shave brand intent on creating products and a narrative that help consumers “feel good” about body hair and shaving practices. Based in Milan, Italy, Fler got started in 2021 and today offers everything from aluminum razors and blade refills to a line of shave mouse, as well as quite a number of body care products, and accessories.
 
If you enjoy this episode, SHARE it with a friend, FOLLOW the CosmoFactory podcast & please LEAVE A REVIEW today. With your help, even more cosmetic industry professionals can discover the inspiring interviews we share on CosmoFactory!
 
ABOUT CosmoFactory
Beauty industry stakeholders listen to the CosmoFactory podcast for inspiration and for up-to-date information on concepts, tactics, and solutions that move business forward. CosmoFactory – Ideas to Innovation is a weekly interview series for cosmetics and personal care suppliers, finished product brand leaders, retailers, buyers, importers, and distributors.
 
Each Tuesday, CosmoFactory guests share experiences, insights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes details—which makes this not only a must-listen B2B podcast but an ongoing case study of our dynamic industry.
 
Guests are actively working in hands-on innovation roles along the beauty industry supply chain; they specialize in raw materials, ingredients, manufacturing, packaging, and more. They are designers, R&D or R&I pros, technical experts, product developers, key decision makers, visionary executives.
 
HOST Deanna Utroske
Cosmetics and personal care industry observer Deanna Utroske hosts the CosmoFactory podcast. She brings an editorial perspective and over a decade of industry expertise to every interview. Deanna is also Editor of the Beauty Insights newsletter and a supply-side consultant. She previously wrote the Global Perspectives column for EuroCosmetics magazine, is a former Editor of CosmeticsDesign, and is known globally for her ability to identify emerging trends, novel technologies, and true innovation in beauty.
 
A PRODUCTION OF Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna
CosmoFactory is the first podcast from Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, taking its place among the best B2B podcasts serving the global beauty industry.  
 
Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is the most important beauty trade show in the world. Dedicated to all sectors of the industry, Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna welcomes over 250,000 visitors from 150 countries and regions and nearly 3,000 exhibitors to Bologna, Italy, each year. It’s where our diverse and international industry comes together to build business relationships and to discover the best brands and newest innovations across consumer beauty, professional beauty, and the entire supply chain. The trade show includes a robust program of exclusive educational content, featuring  executives and key opinion leaders from every sector of the cosmetics, fragrance, and personal care industry. Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is the most important event of the Cosmoprof international network, with exhibitions in Asia (Hong Kong), the US (Las Vegas and Miami), India (Mumbai) and Thailand (Bangkok). Thanks to its global exhibitions Cosmoprof connects a community of more than 500,000 beauty stakeholders and 10,000 companies from 190 countries and regions.
 
Learn more today at Cosmoprof.com

Beauty tech takes many forms. One of which is the digital teammate, an AI tool or platform that helps both customers and companies find time for the work that matters most. 
 
This week on CosmoFactory, we hear about the role of AI in B2B brand experience. Our guest is Chiara Arborea, Export Manager at PDT Cosmetici. Founded in 1996, PDT Cosmetici is a contract manufacturing company specialized in skincare and body care. The Italy-based beauty maker also owns and manufactures the professional brand PHYSIO NATURA, showcasing the company’s product production capabilities, the efficacy of naturals, and the power of beauty as cultural diplomacy—the latest launch from the brand, however, isn’t a skincare product but a tech platform that supports aestheticians and medi-spa practitioners with product knowledge, professional networking, and digital marketing. 
 
If you enjoy this episode, SHARE it with a friend, FOLLOW the CosmoFactory podcast & please LEAVE A REVIEW today. With your help, even more cosmetic industry professionals can discover the inspiring interviews we share on CosmoFactory!
 
ABOUT CosmoFactory
Beauty industry stakeholders listen to the CosmoFactory podcast for inspiration and for up-to-date information on concepts, tactics, and solutions that move business forward. CosmoFactory – Ideas to Innovation is a weekly interview series for cosmetics and personal care suppliers, finished product brand leaders, retailers, buyers, importers, and distributors.
 
Each Tuesday, CosmoFactory guests share experiences, insights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes details—which makes this not only a must-listen B2B podcast but an ongoing case study of our dynamic industry.
 
Guests are actively working in hands-on innovation roles along the beauty industry supply chain; they specialize in raw materials, ingredients, manufacturing, packaging, and more. They are designers, R&D or R&I pros, technical experts, product developers, key decision makers, visionary executives.
 
HOST Deanna Utroske
Cosmetics and personal care industry observer Deanna Utroske hosts the CosmoFactory podcast. She brings an editorial perspective and over a decade of industry expertise to every interview. Deanna is also Editor of the Beauty Insights newsletter and a supply-side consultant. She previously wrote the Global Perspectives column for EuroCosmetics magazine, is a former Editor of CosmeticsDesign, and is known globally for her ability to identify emerging trends, novel technologies, and true innovation in beauty.
 
A PRODUCTION OF Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna
CosmoFactory is the first podcast from Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, taking its place among the best B2B podcasts serving the global beauty industry.  
 
Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is the most important beauty trade show in the world. Dedicated to all sectors of the industry, Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna welcomes over 250,000 visitors from 150 countries and regions and nearly 3,000 exhibitors to Bologna, Italy, each year. It’s where our diverse and international industry comes together to build business relationships and to discover the best brands and newest innovations across consumer beauty, professional beauty, and the entire supply chain. The trade show includes a robust program of exclusive educational content, featuring  executives and key opinion leaders from every sector of the cosmetics, fragrance, and personal care industry. Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is the most important event of the Cosmoprof international network, with exhibitions in Asia (Hong Kong), the US (Las Vegas and Miami), India (Mumbai) and Thailand (Bangkok). Thanks to its global exhibitions Cosmoprof connects a community of more than 500,000 beauty stakeholders and 10,000 companies from 190 countries and regions.
 
Learn more today at Cosmoprof.com

Every personal care product format requires specialized manufacturing expertise—even those that might feel commonplace, like bar soap. And it’s these types of production capabilities and category know-how that keep our industry at once stable and set for progress.
 
This week on CosmoFactory, we explore the world of solid soap manufacturing. Our guest is Ian Moore, General Manger at The Soap Factory. The New Zealand – based contract manufacturer has been in business since 1992 and is built upon the heritage of McLeod’s Soaps, New Zealand's original soapmaker (that company dates back to 1868). Today, The Soap Factory serves both local and international customers and is known for formulations that include New Zealand – sourced botanicals, bee and dairy ingredients, as well as essential oils.
 
If you enjoy this episode, SHARE it with a friend, FOLLOW the CosmoFactory podcast & please LEAVE A REVIEW today. With your help, even more cosmetic industry professionals can discover the inspiring interviews we share on CosmoFactory!
 
ABOUT CosmoFactory
Beauty industry stakeholders listen to the CosmoFactory podcast for inspiration and for up-to-date information on concepts, tactics, and solutions that move business forward. CosmoFactory – Ideas to Innovation is a weekly interview series for cosmetics and personal care suppliers, finished product brand leaders, retailers, buyers, importers, and distributors.
 
Each Tuesday, CosmoFactory guests share experiences, insights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes details—which makes this not only a must-listen B2B podcast but an ongoing case study of our dynamic industry.
 
Guests are actively working in hands-on innovation roles along the beauty industry supply chain; they specialize in raw materials, ingredients, manufacturing, packaging, and more. They are designers, R&D or R&I pros, technical experts, product developers, key decision makers, visionary executives.
 
HOST Deanna Utroske
Cosmetics and personal care industry observer Deanna Utroske hosts the CosmoFactory podcast. She brings an editorial perspective and over a decade of industry expertise to every interview. Deanna is also Editor of the Beauty Insights newsletter and a supply-side consultant. She previously wrote the Global Perspectives column for EuroCosmetics magazine, is a former Editor of CosmeticsDesign, and is known globally for her ability to identify emerging trends, novel technologies, and true innovation in beauty.
 
A PRODUCTION OF Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna
CosmoFactory is the first podcast from Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, taking its place among the best B2B podcasts serving the global beauty industry.  
 
Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is the most important beauty trade show in the world. Dedicated to all sectors of the industry, Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna welcomes over 250,000 visitors from 150 countries and regions and nearly 3,000 exhibitors to Bologna, Italy, each year. It’s where our diverse and international industry comes together to build business relationships and to discover the best brands and newest innovations across consumer beauty, professional beauty, and the entire supply chain. The trade show includes a robust program of exclusive educational content, featuring  executives and key opinion leaders from every sector of the cosmetics, fragrance, and personal care industry. Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is the most important event of the Cosmoprof international network, with exhibitions in Asia (Hong Kong), the US (Las Vegas and Miami), India (Mumbai) and Thailand (Bangkok). Thanks to its global exhibitions Cosmoprof connects a community of more than 500,000 beauty stakeholders and 10,000 companies from 190 countries and regions.
 
Learn more today at Cosmoprof.com

Today’s consumer is seeking an increasingly complex understanding of skin biology and active ingredient mechanisms of action. This new reality is changing how brands, manufacturers, and ingredient makers create and market the products they sell. 
 
This week on the CosmoFactory podcast, we learn how legacy cosmetic industry suppliers are using research, positioning, and innovation to better meet market expectations. Our guest is Paola Pérez, Global Strategic Marketing Manager at Lubrizol. The US – based specialty chemical maker was founded in 1928 and serves numerous industries from agriculture to energy, electronics to healthcare, and of course beauty and personal care. Earlier this year, the cosmetic ingredient maker opened a clinical testing facility for both skincare and hair care solutions in Brazil, a move that illustrates the company’s dedication to innovation in beauty, both regionally and globally.
 
If you enjoy this episode, SHARE it with a friend, FOLLOW the CosmoFactory podcast & please LEAVE A REVIEW today. With your help, even more cosmetic industry professionals can discover the inspiring interviews we share on CosmoFactory!
 
ABOUT CosmoFactory
Beauty industry stakeholders listen to the CosmoFactory podcast for inspiration and for up-to-date information on concepts, tactics, and solutions that move business forward. CosmoFactory – Ideas to Innovation is a weekly interview series for cosmetics and personal care suppliers, finished product brand leaders, retailers, buyers, importers, and distributors.
 
Each Tuesday, CosmoFactory guests share experiences, insights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes details—which makes this not only a must-listen B2B podcast but an ongoing case study of our dynamic industry.
 
Guests are actively working in hands-on innovation roles along the beauty industry supply chain; they specialize in raw materials, ingredients, manufacturing, packaging, and more. They are designers, R&D or R&I pros, technical experts, product developers, key decision makers, visionary executives.
 
HOST Deanna Utroske
Cosmetics and personal care industry observer Deanna Utroske hosts the CosmoFactory podcast. She brings an editorial perspective and over a decade of industry expertise to every interview. Deanna is also Editor of the Beauty Insights newsletter and a supply-side consultant. She previously wrote the Global Perspectives column for EuroCosmetics magazine, is a former Editor of CosmeticsDesign, and is known globally for her ability to identify emerging trends, novel technologies, and true innovation in beauty.
 
A PRODUCTION OF Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna
CosmoFactory is the first podcast from Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, taking its place among the best B2B podcasts serving the global beauty industry.  
 
Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is the most important beauty trade show in the world. Dedicated to all sectors of the industry, Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna welcomes over 250,000 visitors from 150 countries and regions and nearly 3,000 exhibitors to Bologna, Italy, each year. It’s where our diverse and international industry comes together to build business relationships and to discover the best brands and newest innovations across consumer beauty, professional beauty, and the entire supply chain. The trade show includes a robust program of exclusive educational content, featuring  executives and key opinion leaders from every sector of the cosmetics, fragrance, and personal care industry. Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is the most important event of the Cosmoprof international network, with exhibitions in Asia (Hong Kong), the US (Las Vegas and Miami), India (Mumbai) and Thailand (Bangkok). Thanks to its global exhibitions Cosmoprof connects a community of more than 500,000 beauty stakeholders and 10,000 companies from 190 countries and regions.
 
Learn more today at Cosmoprof.com

Often today, the tangible brand experience happens post-purchase and, at least initially, relies largely on operational excellence. As a result, the 3PL teams that support beauty brands have unique and valuable cosmetic market insights.
 
This week on CosmoFactory, we consider the nuance and necessity of fulfillment. Our guest is Emily Di Fante, Business Develop Manager at International Logistics Group. UK-based ILG specializes in ecommerce and retail fulfilment for fast-growth beauty, wellbeing, and fashion brands. The company, founded in 1990 and since 2018 operating as a subsidiary of Yusen Logistics, also provides brand with services spanning personalization, gift-wrapping, returns management, global delivery, and customs advisory.
 
If you enjoy this episode, SHARE it with a friend, FOLLOW CosmoFactory on your favorite podcast platform & please LEAVE A REVIEW today. With your help, even more cosmetic industry professionals can discover the inspiring interviews we share on CosmoFactory!
 
ABOUT CosmoFactory
Beauty industry stakeholders listen to the CosmoFactory podcast for inspiration and for up-to-date information on concepts, tactics, and solutions that move business forward. CosmoFactory – Ideas to Innovation is a weekly interview series for cosmetics and personal care suppliers, finished product brand leaders, retailers, buyers, importers, and distributors.
 
Each Tuesday, CosmoFactory guests share experiences, insights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes details—which makes this not only a must-listen B2B podcast but an ongoing case study of our dynamic industry.
 
Guests are actively working in hands-on innovation roles along the beauty industry supply chain; they specialize in raw materials, ingredients, manufacturing, packaging, and more. They are designers, R&D or R&I pros, technical experts, product developers, key decision makers, visionary executives.
 
HOST Deanna Utroske
Cosmetics and personal care industry observer Deanna Utroske hosts the CosmoFactory podcast. She brings an editorial perspective and over a decade of industry expertise to every interview. Deanna is also Editor of the Beauty Insights newsletter and a supply-side consultant. She previously wrote the Global Perspectives column for EuroCosmetics magazine, is a former Editor of CosmeticsDesign, and is known globally for her ability to identify emerging trends, novel technologies, and true innovation in beauty.
 
A PRODUCTION OF Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna
CosmoFactory is the first podcast from Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, taking its place among the best B2B podcasts serving the global beauty industry.  
 
Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is the most important beauty trade show in the world. Dedicated to all sectors of the industry, Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna welcomes over 250,000 visitors from 150 countries and regions and nearly 3,000 exhibitors to Bologna, Italy, each year. It’s where our diverse and international industry comes together to build business relationships and to discover the best brands and newest innovations across consumer beauty, professional beauty, and the entire supply chain. The trade show includes a robust program of exclusive educational content, featuring  executives and key opinion leaders from every sector of the cosmetics, fragrance, and personal care industry. Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is the most important event of the Cosmoprof international network, with exhibitions in Asia (Hong Kong), the US (Las Vegas and Miami), India (Mumbai) and Thailand (Bangkok). Thanks to its global exhibitions Cosmoprof connects a community of more than 500,000 beauty stakeholders and 10,000 companies from 190 countries and regions.
 
Learn more today at Cosmoprof.com