Colin’s Beauty Pages – Insider insight on the world of cosmetics

What is a Cosmetic Product PIF File?October 26, 2026
Product Information Files (PIFs) have been a requirement of EU cosmetics legislation for decades, but what exactly needs to be included, and does everything have to be compiled into one document? Many cosmetic businesses already hold the information required for their PIF, even if it is stored across different systems, departments or files. We explore the requirements, the common challenges when customers request PIF documentation, and how a practical approach to regulatory compliance can save time and unnecessary administration.
Mole Day, Hooray!October 23, 2026
Why is Avogadro the most popular chemist? Because everyone knows his number! To celebrate Mole Day on 23 October, we explore the astonishing scale of Avogadro’s number, how atoms travel around the world, and what this tells us about pollution, our shared environment and the chemicals we encounter every day.
Phthalates, Fragrances and PregnancyOctober 19, 2026
Are fragrances something pregnant women should avoid because they contain phthalates? A reader asked whether the warnings surrounding phthalates and pregnancy were justified, prompting a look at the science behind the headlines. From laboratory studies on dibutyl phthalate and reproductive development to the uncertainties of applying animal research to real-world exposure, we explore what the evidence actually tells us - and whether avoiding fragranced products is really necessary.
Trotula di Ruggiero – The First Beauty BloggerOctober 12, 2026
Long before beauty bloggers, skincare trends and modern cosmetic science, there was Trotula of Salerno. Writing in eleventh-century Italy, Trotula documented an intriguing collection of beauty treatments, from camphor and frankincense to rosewater and hair remedies. Some of her recommendations have surprising parallels with modern cosmetics, while others are rather harder to explain. We take a look at Trotula’s approach to beauty and discover just how much - and how little - has changed in 1,000 years.
“Placing on the Market”- I don’t think it means what you think it meansOctober 5, 2026
What does “placing on the market” actually mean when a cosmetic regulation changes? The 2022 revision of the EU Blue Guide brings some important clarity, particularly around transition periods and existing stock. A product being an established formulation does not mean newly manufactured units are automatically covered by the old rules. We look at what the Blue Guide says about placing on the market versus making available, why the distinction matters for cosmetic compliance, and what it means for businesses managing reformulations and regulatory deadlines.