October is Breast Cancer awareness month. As of the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million women alive who were diagnosed with breast cancer in the past 5 years, making it the world’s most prevalent cancer. Early detection is vital as there are more treatment options and a better chance for survival. Things you can do includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.
Many beauty brands support this cause as it’s related beauty and self-esteem which are mostly affected after a patient starts chemotherapy sessions. At Sensient, we understand the call to formulate for consumers with extra needs due to medical treatments and we are here to help brands do just that.
At the same time, we acknowledge that limited edition products that leads to donations and contribution to cancer research is key, however we should do more than just that. It’s time for brands to be more creative and think outside of the box.
One example is Lux, they created ‘The Soap with a Lump’, the first-ever soap to advocate breast health which alerts users the importance of self-examination and early detection of breast cancer. In the privacy of their bathroom, the soap acts as a powerful trigger for self-examination. Each soap bar arrives with a manual on how users can perform self-examinations on their breasts.
Another opportunity is to develop products for cancer patient needs. When battling cancer, it’s truly amazing what a swipe of bold red lipstick or eyeliner can do for one’s physical and mental wellbeing. Keeping in mind that patients would want to avoid exposure to potentially harmful chemicals during cancer treatment, natural products tend to be milder on the skin — which can become especially sensitive while undergoing rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.
Here are a few formulations our application technologists came up with to help inspire brands to develop more beauty products to help patients feel their best while they fight cancer.
Nat’vocado Comfort Stick Foundation – SCT6217 SMF
Botanical Avocado Lipid surface treatment is the key to this lightweight yet buttery all-natural full coverage stick foundation. The combination of Covafluid AMD and Sericite 0022 adds creaminess, soft focus and a powdery finish. Natpure Feel-M Eco, an optimized combination of esters & fatty alcohols derived from coconuts, allows for a smooth, gliding application, making this stick easy to use.
Liquid Lip & Cheek Tint – SCT6238 SM
A kiss-proof and smudge proof rose tinted cheek and lip stain. Highly effective Solubilisant LRI solubilizes the oil into water phase and preserves the fragrance long lasting. Covabsorb EW provides full spectrum protection and prevents color fading. Fucosorb WP protect and soothe the skin while Covacryl A15 PE1 improves the long lasting and the resistance to humidity.
Colorful Felt Pen – Eyebrow Shade – SCT0087-4 SMO
A long lasting feltpen for a soft eyebrow look. The long lasting color is obtain by the use of global compliant Unicert dyes. A blend of Red, yellow and Blue dyes has to be used to obtain a light brown shades. Even though the color is obtained with dyes, Covacryl E14 WP film former improves long lasting and intensity of the shade and Solubilisant LRI is increase the staining properties of the dyes. The felt pen will be very gentle on the skin thanks to the algae extracts contained in Fucosorb WP.
Eyeliner for Sensitive Eyes – SCT6109 SME
Specially formulated for the most sensitive eyes. This eyeliner is formulated Covacryl E14 PF, a film former with excellent resistance to water and humidity. It does not contain phenoxyethanol, so even the most sensitive eyes can use this product with ease. Fucosorb WP, a brown and red algae extract, helps to soothe and moisturize the sensitive eye area.
The side-effects of cancer treatments generate a lot of needs that have been ignored by the beauty industry. If you’re looking to start developing products to tend to these needs, contact us today and we will be happy to help.
