No Filter with Kobo

Kobo Products, Inc.

Unfiltered information on all topics related to the cosmetic and personal care industries such as the latest trends, innovative ingredients, formulation tips, regulations, expert interviews and much, much more.

  1. 73. Inside EcoVadis Gold

    4 DAYS AGO

    73. Inside EcoVadis Gold

    In this special end-of-year episode, we’re closing out 2025 by celebrating a major milestone: Kobo’s EcoVadis Gold Sustainability Rating, placing the company among the top 2% of organizations globally. Gabby is joined by Luna Fascina, CSR & Technical ServiceManager at Kobo, to unpack what corporate social responsibility really means, why EcoVadis is such a critical benchmark, and how Kobo’s sustainability journey has evolved since first reporting in 2014. Luna shares the behind-the-scenes work that led to Kobo’s highest score to date—from aligning global teams and improving documentation to strengthening supplier engagement and launching Kobo’s first CSR report. The conversation also explores the four EcoVadis themes, the growing focus on carbon footprint and Scope 3 emissions, and Kobo’s goals for continued progress in 2026. Later in the episode, Elsie shifts the focus to formulation,diving into the science behind KHP-068 Scalp and Hair Serum with Nyalah Abasali, US Application Chemist at Kobo. Together, they explore the inspiration behind the formula, the skinification of haircare, and how key ingredients like Lusplan™ SR-DM4, KOBOGUARD® NATURAL 3000-CO55, and SunBoost ATB Natural work in harmony to deliver lightweight gloss, scalp comfort, and long-lastingperformance. From sustainability strategy to ingredient-level performance,this episode offers a full-spectrum look at how Kobo is advancing responsible beauty. Join us January 7th at 11:00 AM EST for Kobo’sRegulatory Webinar, where we will discuss regional updates, “green cosmetics”, and a more in-depth look into the importance of CSR. Register now by using this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6972535846872056149     ABOUT US:   Since 1987 Kobo has provided innovative, technology-basedraw materials to the cosmetic industry. The product range includes Surface Treated Pigments, Microspheres, Suncare and Color Dispersions, Silicone Fluids, Specialties, Natural Ingredients, Effect Pigments, Boron Nitride and DeliverySystems. Kobo has five locations, USA (Corporate Headquarters), France, Japan, Brazil, and UK and is represented globally by independent agents. Learn more at: ⁠https://www.koboproductsinc.com

    25 min
  2. 72. Beyond Trends: 2026 Beauty Self Expressions

    27/11/2025

    72. Beyond Trends: 2026 Beauty Self Expressions

    In this episode of No Filter with Kobo, Gabby dives into Kobo’s 2026 Global Self Expressions, a forward-looking exploration of how consumers around the world are redefining beauty through emotion, texture, and innovation. She’s joined by Marie Hansell, Technical Marketing and Account Manager at Kobo Products, who breaks down why the conversation has shifted beyond trends into authentic self expressions, where beauty becomes personal, sensory, and deeply connected to wellbeing and identity. Marie walks us through the five key expressions shaping2026: All the Feels, Waterless Wave, Barrier First, Geo-Responsive, and Lessentials, exploring how each reflects evolving consumer values around sensorial experience, sustainability, environmental adaptation, and minimalistroutines. She also highlights the formulations that bring these expressions to life and a behind-the-scenes look at the trend development process, offering insight into how cultural shifts, ingredient innovation, and artistic experimentation inspire future-facing product creation. Whether you’re a formulation chemist, brand strategist, orbeauty lover fascinated by where the industry is headed, this episode uncovers how science, emotion, and self-expression will shape beauty in 2026 and beyond. Want to learn more about Kobo’s 2026 Self Expression?Request a recording of the 2026 Global Self Expressions Webinar by clicking this link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=0g_VwXVtw0enrQnXWGJAhVipw50oG3lMoQj9mzweNghUMU1JNDNQVERGSkpKSE83TkZGWExYQktJNS4u     ABOUT US:   Since 1987 Kobo has provided innovative, technology-basedraw materials to the cosmetic industry. The product range includes Surface Treated Pigments, Microspheres, Suncare and Color Dispersions, Silicone Fluids, Specialties, Natural Ingredients, Effect Pigments, Boron Nitride and Delivery Systems. Kobo has five locations, USA (Corporate Headquarters), France, Japan, Brazil, and UK and is represented globally by independent agents. Learn more at: ⁠https://www.koboproductsinc.com

    23 min
  3. 71. All Eyes on Innovation

    30/10/2025

    71. All Eyes on Innovation

    In this episode of No Filter with Kobo, Gabby dives into the colorful world of eye makeup, from lashes to lids and brows. She’s joined by Maria Alvarez, Chemist from Kobo’s European Applications Lab, who breaks down the key ingredients and formulation strategies that bring eye products to life. From long-wear performance powered by film formers to the volumizing magic of silica and fibers, this episode shares insights into how chemists balance innovation, texture, and wearability across mascaras, eyeliners, eyeshadows, and brow products. Later, Elsie chats with Urmi Dhamnaskar, Chemist from Kobo’sUK Application Lab, about KMA-113C-EU Electric Blue Lash Building Mascara, a bold, trend-forward formula that delivers high-impact color, volume, and curl while remaining microplastic-free. Urmi reveals the science behind its vibrantultramarine shade, lash-building fibers, and stable oil-in-water system, proving that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand. Whether you’re formulating the next standout mascara orsimply fascinated by the chemistry behind expressive eye looks, this episode explores how color, texture, and emotion intersect in modern makeup innovation. To learn more about KMA-113C-EU, visit this link: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/formulations/KMA-113C-EU.pdf Interested in learning about Kobo’s Global Self Expressionsfor 2026? Request the webinar recording by vising this link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=0g_VwXVtw0enrQnXWGJAhVipw50oG3lMoQj9mzweNghUMU1JNDNQVERGSkpKSE83TkZGWExYQktJNS4u     ABOUT US:   Since 1987 Kobo has provided innovative, technology-basedraw materials to the cosmetic industry. The product range includes Surface Treated Pigments, Microspheres, Suncare and Color Dispersions, Silicone Fluids, Specialties, Natural Ingredients, Effect Pigments, Boron Nitride and DeliverySystems. Kobo has five locations, USA (Corporate Headquarters), France, Japan, Brazil, and UK and is represented globally by independent agents. Learn more at: ⁠https://www.koboproductsinc.com

    23 min
  4. 70. Formulating Face Makeup

    09/10/2025

    70. Formulating Face Makeup

    In this episode of No Filter with Kobo, Elsie explores thescience of face makeup—from foundation to blush and everything in between. She’s joined by Nick Quinteros, Senior Chemist from Kobo’s US Applications Lab, who breaks down what makes a standout face product, including tips forbalancing texture, coverage, and comfort, plus how evolving consumer expectations are influencing ingredient choices, multifunctionality, and inclusive shade ranges. Later, Elsie chats with Urmi Dhamnaskar, Chemist from Kobo’s UK Applications Lab about KBL-045-EU Squishy Putty Blush, the Formula of the Month inspired by playful textures and soft-focus finishes. Urmi shares the ingredient strategies that give this blush its bouncy, sensorial texture and blur effect—all while maintaining color payoff and batch consistency. Whether you’re a cosmetic chemist or just fascinated by facemakeup innovation, this episode unpacks the formulation decisions that shape skin feel, performance, and creativity across face products. To learn more about KBL-045-EU Squishy Putty Blush, checkout the link below: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/formulations/KBL-045-EU.pdf Prefer to tune in on YouTube? Visit No Filter with Kobo onYouTube now:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmdzjWT5sg37duFECVplihSJNEs58UcGS     ABOUT US:   Since 1987 Kobo has provided innovative, technology-basedraw materials to the cosmetic industry. The product range includes Surface Treated Pigments, Microspheres, Suncare and Color Dispersions, Silicone Fluids, Specialties, Natural Ingredients, Effect Pigments, Boron Nitride and DeliverySystems. Kobo has five locations, USA (Corporate Headquarters), France, Japan, Brazil, and UK and is represented globally by independent agents. Learn more at: ⁠https://www.koboproductsinc.com

    22 min
  5. 69. The Lipstick Lab

    03/09/2025

    69. The Lipstick Lab

    In this episode of No Filter with Kobo, Gabby dives into one of the most iconic makeup categories—lipsticks—and explores the science behind achieving color, texture, and innovation. From high-pigment classic sticks to ultra-glossy vinyl finishes, she’s joined by Carl Orr, veteran formulator and consultant at Kobo Products, who shares deep insights into what it takes to create standout lip products, including ingredient choices, mold differences, and techniques for achieving vibrant, high-performance color. Later, the conversation shifts to KLP-298-EU Powder Sensation Liquid Lip Color, a plastic-free cream-to-powder formula developed to match the performance of traditional microplastic-containing lipsticks. Elsie is joined by Urmi Dhamnaskar, a formulator at Kobo’s UK lab, who breaks down the multifunctional powders and ingredient technologies that create a weightless feel and soft-focus finish while staying aligned with clean beauty and regulatory goals. Whether you're a formulator, brand developer, or simplycurious about what makes a great lipstick, this episode of The Lipstick Lab reveals how science, sustainability, and creativity come together on the lips. To learn more about the Powder Sensation Liquid Lip Color formula, visit the link: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/formulations/KLP-298-EU.pdf  No Filter with Kobo is also now available to watch on YouTube! Be sure to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHSNMsGMgAgT_nVKLZalTMw     ABOUT US:   Since 1987 Kobo has provided innovative, technology-basedraw materials to the cosmetic industry. The product range includes Surface Treated Pigments, Microspheres, Suncare and Color Dispersions, Silicone Fluids, Specialties, Natural Ingredients, Effect Pigments, Boron Nitride and Delivery Systems. Kobo has five locations, USA (Corporate Headquarters), France, Japan, Brazil, and UK and is represented globally by independent agents. Learn more at: ⁠https://www.koboproductsinc.com

    32 min
  6. 68. Sunscreen Textures

    31/07/2025

    68. Sunscreen Textures

    In this episode of No Filter with Kobo, Gabby and Elsie are back to explore a side of sunscreen that’s often overlooked, but essential for daily use: texture. From velvety sticks to weightless fluids and creamy hybrid emulsions, they dive into how feel, finish, and format can make or break the SPF experience. They’re joined by three Kobo formulators from around theglobe—Maria Garcia Alvarez (EU), Isabella Bagni Nakamura (Brazil), and Adriana Games (US)—each bringing insights into the formulation strategies behind this episode’s featured sunscreens: ☀️High Naturality Max Zinc Stick, Ultra Dry-Touch, Sheer☀️Mineral Fluid Sunscreen☀️O/W Hybrid Sunscreen SPF 35 From minimizing white cast to achieving sprayability andbalancing powder vs. dispersion inputs, this episode is a full breakdown in how sensoriality and science converge to drive sunscreen innovation. Whether you're formulating, trend-watching, or just obsessed with finding the perfect finish, this episode shows how today’s sunscreens are designed to feel as good as they perform.   ABOUT US:   Since 1987 Kobo has provided innovative, technology-basedraw materials to the cosmetic industry. The product range includes Surface Treated Pigments, Microspheres, Suncare and Color Dispersions, Silicone Fluids, Specialties, Natural Ingredients, Effect Pigments, Boron Nitride and DeliverySystems. Kobo has five locations, USA (Corporate Headquarters), France, Japan, Brazil, and UK and is represented globally by independent agents. Learn more at: ⁠https://www.koboproductsinc.com

    20 min
  7. 67. No Shade Left Behind

    03/07/2025

    67. No Shade Left Behind

    In this episode of No Filter with Kobo, Gabby divesinto a topic that's reshaping the sun care conversation—diversity and inclusion in SPF formulation. From tinted sunscreens to the persistent challenges of white cast, cosmetic scientists are being called to rethink how protection looks and feels on every skin tone. Joining the discussion is Cheres Chambers, Kobo’s SalesManager for North America and head of the Diversity and Inclusion Team. Together, they unpack what it means to formulate inclusive sun care, break down common myths about sun protection for deeper skin tones, and explore ingredient strategies for achieving both high performance and universal wearability. Later, Elsie highlights June’s Formula of the Month: KSL-560-AP Double-Wear Tinted Sunscreen—a hybrid SPF 50+ formula offering broad-spectrum protection and complexion-matching coverage. With insights from Wannaporn “Noey” Prakobkich, Applications Chemist at Kobo Asia-Pacific, listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how this 3-shade innovation meets real-world skin tone needs with a skin-first, science-forward approach. Whether you're exploring innovation or refining existing formulas, this episode sheds light on what it takes to ensure no shade is left behind in modern sun care. To learn more about the standout ingredients in each shadeof the Double-Wear Tinted Sunscreen series, click the link below: KSL-560A-AP (Light): https://www.koboproductsinc.com/formulations/KSL-560A-AP.pdfKSL-560B-AP (Light Medium): https://www.koboproductsinc.com/formulations/KSL-560B-AP.pdfKSL-560C-AP (Medium): https://www.koboproductsinc.com/formulations/KSL-560C-AP.pdf ABOUT US:   Since 1987 Kobo has provided innovative, technology-basedraw materials to the cosmetic industry. The product range includes Surface Treated Pigments, Microspheres, Suncare and Color Dispersions, Silicone Fluids, Specialties, Natural Ingredients, Effect Pigments, Boron Nitride and DeliverySystems. Kobo has five locations, USA (Corporate Headquarters), France, Japan, Brazil, and UK and is represented globally by independent agents. Learn more at: ⁠https://www.koboproductsinc.com

    32 min
  8. 66. Sun Exposure Beyond UV

    29/05/2025

    66. Sun Exposure Beyond UV

    In this episode of No Filter with Kobo, Gabby opens an eye-opening conversation on a topic that's heating up—the full spectrum of solar rays. While most of us are familiar with the need to protect against UVB and UVA, there's more to the sun care story. This episode takes a deeper look at blue light (HEV) and infrared rays, and why formulating for comprehensive protection is more important than ever. Gabby is joined by returning guest Maitree Kanjilal, Applications Lab Manager and Principal Scientist at Kobo US, to help break down the science behind these lesser-known, yet highly impactful, rays. Next, Elsie introduces a standout in sun care innovation: KSL-552A-EU High Naturality Max Zinc Stick, Super Clear, Dry-Touch – a mineral sunscreen stick crafted with performance and trend-driven ingredients. To explore the formulation strategy behind this product, we’re joined by Su-Anne Ng from the Kobo UK Applications Lab, who shares insights into its multifunctional design and development process. Whether you're a formulator, brand owner, or just passionateabout cutting-edge sun protection, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the science and strategy driving next-generation SPF. Want to learn more? Join our upcoming webinar for an exclusive deep dive into the latest advancements in sunscreen formulation—from boosting SPF efficacy to improving product aesthetics and sensory experience.Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5629208610923876700 To learn more about the formula KSL-552A-EU High Naturality Max Zinc Stick, Super Clear, Dry-Touch, click here: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/formulations/KSL-552A-EU.pdf ABOUT US:   Since 1987 Kobo has provided innovative, technology-basedraw materials to the cosmetic industry. The product range includes Surface Treated Pigments, Microspheres, Suncare and Color Dispersions, Silicone Fluids, Specialties, Natural Ingredients, Effect Pigments, Boron Nitride and Delivery Systems. Kobo has five locations, USA (Corporate Headquarters), France, Japan, Brazil, and UK and is represented globally by independent agents.   Learn more at: ⁠https://www.koboproductsinc.com

    34 min

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Unfiltered information on all topics related to the cosmetic and personal care industries such as the latest trends, innovative ingredients, formulation tips, regulations, expert interviews and much, much more.