The Beauty Spot

Developing a high-performing SPF product brings together formulation science, UV protection, sensory design, testing, regulatory strategy, packaging and manufacturing. Account Head of R&D for Suncare, Roger Rowson, explores some of the technical considerations behind modern sunscreen development and how THG LABS’ specialist Suncare team supports brands in creating SPF products designed for performance, consumer appeal and commercial scale.

What should high-volume beauty brands look for in a contract manufacturing organisation (CMO)? Emma Payne, Sales Director at THG LABS, shares an expert checklist covering the capabilities that matter when selecting a cosmetic manufacturer, including in-house formulation expertise, regulatory support, quality systems, technical feasibility, commercial scale-up, packaging and project management.

Changing manufacturer can feel high risk for beauty brands with established products and loyal consumers. Emma Payne, Sales Director, and Lisa Tucker, Product Development Director at THG LABS, explore the commercial and technical signs that it may be time to move, from capacity, regulatory and quality issues to technology transfer, formulation matching and scale-up.

On 11th September 2025, at the BBIA BioFinance Summit in London, THG LABS joined Clean Food Group and Croda on stage to announce that Clean Oil™ 25 has achieved cosmetics regulatory approval across the UK, Europe and the United States.

This Summer, THG LABS are partnering Catalyst Science Discovery Centre to co-sponsor their Sun Protection Scientists Summer Workshops designed specifically for families and children to learn more about what the sun’s UV rays do to our skin, how sun protection products work  and why wearing sunscreen is essential, whatever the weather.

Continuing THG LABS commitment to Innovation with Purpose, we’re pleased to announce our collaboration with Carbonwave, the world’s leading developer of ultra-regenerative, plant-based, advanced biomaterials from seaweed. Hear more about our partnership which aims to enhance the environmental profile of our extensive skincare, haircare, suncare and body care formulation library while reducing the impact of ecologically harmful Sargassum seaweed.

Body care is becoming a more sophisticated territory for beauty innovation as consumers bring skincare-level expectations around efficacy, ingredients, skin quality and targeted care to products used across the body. Alongside performance, sensory experience, lifestyle relevance and more precise solutions are paving the way for brands to differentiate.

THG LABS 2026 Body Care Innovation Trend Report explores the consumer, formulation and product development trends influencing the category, with a focus on three key themes: Applying Skincare Logic to the Body, Precision Living: Body Care for Real Life, and Signature Sensoriality: Formulation Performance You Can Feel.

In this THG LABS Body Care Trend Report, our Product Innovation team explores:

• How skincare and dermocosmetic thinking are influencing 
   body care formulation, ingredients, claims and expectations 
   around skin quality
• The rise of more targeted body care designed around 
   specific areas, concerns, routines and real-life needs
• How texture, application, absorption, finish and after-feel 
   help create distinctive product experiences
• The growing relationship between body care, wellness 
   and emotional rituals
• Emerging opportunities across formats, claims, ingredients 
   and positioning
• What these trends could mean for beauty brands 
   developing new body care products

Download the report to explore the opportunities shaping the future of body care innovation.

SPF is no longer reserved for holidays and heatwaves. Driven by skinification, premiumisation and a growing focus on long-term skin resilience, UV defence is becoming a year-round beauty essential, creating significant new opportunities across skincare, make-up, haircare and specialist formats.

The category is moving quickly. Hybrid formats are flourishing. New territory is opening up in scalp care, lip care, dermocosmetics, longevity and previously underserved areas of the body

In the THG Labs Suncare 2026 Trend Report, our Product Innovation experts break down :

• The trends driving the next phase of category growth
• How sunification and skinification are reshaping NPD
• Emerging white space across skincare, make-up, haircare and specialist SPF
• The rise of premium, treatment-led and longevity-focused sun protection
• UK and global market insights and consumer behaviour
• Innovation opportunities across ingredients, formats, claims and positioning

Download the report to find out where your brand should focus next

Haircare is entering a new phase of premiumisation, defined by precision, performance and prevention. Consumers are more informed than ever, and as they demand outcome-driven products they want targeted solutions that work, with measurable lasting results they can see and sustain.

This report explores what’s driving that change. We look at how every day formats like shampoo are being repositioned at a premium level, why efficacy-led and clinically credible language is gaining traction and how science, behavioural data and consumer demand are collectively redefining how haircare is formulated, positioned and experienced.

Foundational hair and scalp health is becoming an increasingly important consideration, supporting more preventative and long-term approaches to care. Ritual and repeat use are also becoming key markers of success, reinforcing the need for formulations that perform consistently while delivering a rewarding user experience.

Drawing on insight from our Product Innovation and Data teams, we’ve translated these trends into practical direction for brands that sets out where the real opportunities are and how to go after them.

This presentation explores the perceived innovation gap between haircare and skincare, examining why haircare has historically lagged in clinical validation and scientific storytelling despite strong market growth and rising consumer expectations.

Originally presented by Dr. Catherine Leray, Account Head of R&D at THG LABS, during the Haircare Gap webinar hosted by Cosmetics Cluster UK, the deck draws on formulation science, hair biology and practical development experience to unpack the structural challenges limiting innovation.