THE WHAT? The UK’s supply of fake-tan products is at risk due to a shortage in supply of ingredient solvent ethoxydiglycol, according to the Guardian.
THE DETAILS Sunjunkie, a self-tan manufacturer, has struggled to source the ingredient due to the global supply chain crisis, with company Director Diane Higham stating that many suppliers in the UK and EU don’t have it in stock.
She said, “It’s a total nightmare. It’s a product that goes into a lot of things and you just don’t think that you’re suddenly not going to be able to obtain it anywhere.”
Other ingredients are also said to be hard to obtain, including DHA and erythrulose.
Chemical distribution firm Ascot International has also stated that the import price of ethoxydiglycol has risen by 30 percent, with Managing Director Nitin Sethi stating he has only been able to source it in ‘dribs and drabs.’
THE WHY? Used extensively in high street and premium skincare products, experts have also blamed the rapid growth of the beauty industry in China as a catalyst for the UK shortage.
Higham continued, “You can just see the product line suddenly coming to a halt if we haven’t got these major ingredients.”
Aesthetic medicine products are developed and regulated to meet stringent safety and efficacy standards. They are typically administered by trained healthcare professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and specialized nurses in clinical settings. These products aim to provide effective solutions for cosmetic enhancement, skin rejuvenation, and overall aesthetic improvement, contributing to both physical appearance and self-confidence.
Key categories of aesthetic medicine products include:
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Injectables: This category includes products such as dermal fillers, botulinum toxins (e.g., Botox), and collagen stimulators. These injectables are used to smooth wrinkles, add volume, and improve facial contours.
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Skin Rejuvenation Treatments: Products like chemical peels, microdermabrasion systems, and laser devices are used to improve skin texture, reduce pigmentation irregularities, and enhance overall skin tone.
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Skincare Products: These include medical-grade cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and topical treatments containing active ingredients like retinoids, antioxidants, and growth factors. They are formulated to address specific skin concerns such as acne, aging, and hyperpigmentation.
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Hair Restoration Products: Medical treatments and products designed to promote hair growth and treat conditions such as male and female pattern baldness.
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Body Contouring and Fat Reduction: Devices and products used for non-surgical body sculpting, such as cryolipolysis (cool sculpting) devices and injectable lipolytics.
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Cosmeceuticals: High-performance skincare products that bridge the gap between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, often containing potent ingredients with proven clinical benefits.
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Wound Care and Scar Management: Products like silicone sheets, gels, and advanced wound dressings used to improve healing and reduce the appearance of scars.
