Month: June 2023

Starting from waking up and continuing during the course of the day, until just before going to sleep, we are used to using very different soaps and detergents.

Soap for the hands and face, shower gel for the body, intimate cleanser and even shampoo for the hair. The systematic use of detergents and soaps on our skin demands a careful but above all conscious choice.

What criteria must soaps meet to be “right” for us? The choice must be made starting with the pH test. Let’s find out what this is and how to make the right choice.

Soap and cosmetics production on a contract basis

Producing quality soaps, shower gels, shampoos and detergents, as well as body creams, is not easy, especially if one is not familiar with the industry. Today, there are many cosmetic brands, distributed in large-scale distribution or in the most selective perfumery, but few producers. In many cases, even well-known and widely distributed brands make use of external or ‘contract’ production. In the cosmetics world, this phenomenon is now widespread. The companies that own the brands prefer to concentrate resources and energy on research, marketing, sales and promotional activities and delegate production to highly specialised external companies.

Albogroup is one such company that directly produces cosmetic products for third parties, both for hotels and for classic distribution. The company is structured in such a way as to be able to satisfy requests for contract manufacturing of soaps in all formats and weights, starting with those destined for hotels up to specific productions of soaps made in-house for important Italian and international brands. If you are looking for a contract manufacturer of soaps and soap bars, you can contact Albogroup and get in touch with the company development department, which will be able to accompany you in your process of conception, line construction and production.

Our historical manufacturing activity has always been linked to the production of contract soaps and soap bars, for the hotel amenities market and the large-scale retail trade. When we develop a contract line of soaps and soap bars for our customers, we focus primarily on the product, its quality and naturalness, on the search for special fragrances that can give the line a stylish look, and on the development of more sustainable packaging. We use high-quality natural ingredients, including organic oils, natural extracts and specific ingredients for each skin type. From our Research Olfactory, we come up with novel combinations of essences to meet all market needs: from the most classic and delicate fragrances to the most sparkling and innovative ones. Contact us if you want to share your project with us!

What is pH?

The acronym pH stands for Hydrogen Potential, introduced in 1909 by Søren Peter Lauritz Sørensen, a Danish chemist known for coining the term pH in 1909 and introducing the related scale for measuring acidity and alkalinity. The Hydrogen Potential is the algorithmic scale by which the acidity, neutrality or basicity of a solution can be measured.

The evaluation of pH measurement is based on the concentration of hydrogen ions (in chemistry H+) present in the solution. The pH value ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being considered neutral. The pH of human skin varies between 4.5 and 6.5, making it slightly acidic. This acidic environment is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier and preventing the growth of pathogenic bacteria.

What does physiological pH mean?

The term “physiological pH” refers to the pH value that is compatible with the normal functioning of the human body. For the epidermis, a soap with physiological pH has a pH value similar to that of the skin itself, therefore, usually between 4.5 and 6.5. Using products with a physiological pH helps maintain the skin’s natural balance and prevent irritation and disruption of the skin barrier.

What is the neutral pH value?

The neutral pH value is 7. A soap with a neutral pH is neither acidic nor basic and may be suitable for general cleaning of the skin. However, it is important to note that a neutral pH may not be ideal for all skin types, since human skin, as mentioned, is naturally slightly acidic.

Choosing the right pH according to your skin type

To keep your skin healthy, it is important to choose a soap with a pH that is suitable for your skin type. Below are some guidelines for selecting a soap according to your skin type:

• Dry or sensitive skin: opt for a soap with physiological pH to preserve the hydrolipidic film of the skin and prevent moisture loss. A soap with physiological pH will help maintain the skin’s natural balance and prevent irritation.
• Oily or combination skin: a slightly acidic soap can help balance sebum production and prevent imperfections. Look for soaps with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5.
• Normal skin: for normal skin, a soap with a physiological or slightly acidic pH may be suitable. It is important to monitor the reaction of the skin and adjust the choice of soap if necessary.

Which soap to choose for children?

For children, it is advisable to choose a soap with a physiological pH, as their skin is more delicate and sensitive. A soap with a physiological pH will help maintain the natural balance of the child’s skin and prevent irritation. In addition, it is important to select soaps that are free of artificial perfumes and dyes, which can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation. Check out the Beba Lena and Friends baby line from Albogroup, also available for customised and contract production.

How do you measure the pH of soap?

To measure the pH of soap, pH test strips or a digital pH meter can be used. pH test strips consist of an absorbent material impregnated with chemicals that change colour according to the pH of the solution in which they are immersed. Simply dip the test strip into liquid soap or rub it on the surface of solid soap, and compare the colour of the strip with the reference scale provided.

A digital pH meter, on the other hand, uses a hydrogen ion-sensitive electrode to determine the pH of the solution. To use a digital pH meter, a sample of soap dissolved in water must be prepared and the electrode immersed in the solution. The meter will give a digital reading of the pH of the sample.

The importance of soap formulation

Soap formulation is a crucial aspect in the production of skin care products. Albogroup uses high-quality ingredients and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques to ensure that the soaps it produces are safe and effective.

The choice of ingredients, concentration and saponification process directly influence the pH of the soap and its cleansing, emollient and foaming properties.

Precisely for this reason we use raw materials of natural origin and high quality, which maintain the lipid balance of the area of the epidermis for which each soap is intended. This is the only way to ensure well-being and skin care.

The complete customisation of fragrances, colours and packaging allows each brand to guarantee its customers quality products that reflect the spirit of the brand.

Solid cosmetics are a growing trend in the world of beauty and personal care. These products, made from natural ingredients, are eco-friendly, sustainable and environmentally friendly, providing gentle care for both the skin and the environment. In this article, we explore the wide range of solid cosmetics available on the market, including shampoos, shower baths, facial soaps and much more.

The philosophy of solid cosmetics: an eco-friendly approach to body care

What is a solid cosmetic?
A solid cosmetic is a personal care product that comes in a solid, rather than a liquid or cream form. This feature allows the use of plastic packaging to be reduced and the space required to move goods around to be limited. Solid cosmetics are made from natural ingredients, including those of plant origin and organic cosmetics, and follow production methods that are sometimes artisanal, sometimes industrial, while respecting the environment.

The environmental benefits of solid cosmetics
Solid cosmetics offer several ecological advantages:

• Reduction of plastic use: due to their solid form, these products do not require plastic packaging, helping to reduce plastic waste pollution.
• Less water consumption: the production of solid cosmetics requires less water than liquid or cream products.
• More efficient transport: solid cosmetics take up less space and weigh less than traditional products, thus reducing the environmental impact of transport.

The wide range of solid body care cosmetics

Solid shampoos

Solid shampoos are one of the most popular types of solid cosmetics. Made from natural ingredients, often enriched with organic and certified, plastic-free ingredients, these products offer a gentle and natural cleansing of the hair.
Among the most popular products on the market is Albogroup’s Moisturising Solid Shampoo with Argan, Oat and Panthenol, featured in the Solid.O Original line aimed at both hotels and retail.

Solid conditioning shampoos

Conditioning shampoos are the ideal solution for nourishing and protecting hair in a natural way. Thanks to their excellent properties, these products offer an effective and gentle action, leaving the hair soft and supple.

Solid bubble baths

Solid shower gel is a natural and environmentally friendly cleanser for cleansing the skin in a natural and non-aggressive way. Among the most popular products is the Solid shower gel Solid. O Original by Albogroup with organic shea butter and marigold extract.

Also in Albogroup’s Solid.O Original line for hotels and retail is an innovative solid and multifunctional product for body and hair. This is an innovative Shower Shampoo in solid form, revitalising and with Sesame Oil and Organic Olive Oil, adapted for all skin and hair types.

Do you need to develop or produce your own line of solid cosmetics for hotels or retail? Albogroup offers its experience of more than 40 years as a made-in-Italy manufacturer of contract cosmetics. The production of high quality solid cosmetics requires advanced production processes, attention to selected raw materials and great experience. Solid cosmetics are not mere soaps, but are highly performing and effective ecological cosmetics. Contact us for more information.

Solid facial cleansers

For facial cleansing, solid bars offer a natural and effective alternative to liquid products. Even in the world of make-up removers for the face, there is great news. The classic liquid make-up remover becomes solid: a convenient bar, also in a 15g version, which on contact with water turns into a soft facial cleanser suitable for removing make-up and impurities. An example is the new Make-Up Remover by Albogroup, made in the practical Hotel Amenities version, ultra-delicate and with Olive Oil, Almond Oil and Vitamin E.

Solid cosmetics for children

Solid cosmetics are also an ideal choice for caring for the little ones, thanks to their gentleness and total absence of harmful ingredients. Products designed for children include shower baths and shampoos that are particularly gentle on the skin and have emollient properties. It is very interesting to see how this ecological trend has now become part of the beauty routine of many families, which is why even in many hotels you can find children’s toiletries consisting of solid, ecological cosmetic products with a very high percentage of ingredients of natural origin. Discover for example the Beba Lena & Friends children’s cosmetics line from Albogroup, designed specifically for hotels and now a great success.

Solid cosmetics for hotels: an ecological revolution

But what are the real reasons for a hotel to offer solid cosmetics for its hotel amenities today?

1. Reducing environmental impact
   By using solid cosmetics in hotels, you help to reduce your ecological footprint and limit the use of plastic. Furthermore, these products require less water in their production than liquid cosmetics, contributing to water savings.
2. Improving the guest experience
   Offering high-quality solid cosmetics in their accommodation can improve the experience of guests, who will appreciate choosing natural and sustainable products for their personal care. Moreover, solid cosmetics are ideal for travellers with all skin types.
3. Enhancing the hotel’s image
   Adopting a policy of environmental sustainability and choosing solid cosmetics for hotel rooms can help improve the hotel’s image, distinguish it from the competition and attract environmentally and product quality-conscious customers.

How to implement solid cosmetics in hotels?

Choosing and selecting the right products is the first thing.
To introduce solid cosmetics in hotels, it is essential to select quality products made from natural and certified ingredients. Rely on a direct producer of solid hotel cosmetics such as Albogroup.

Product customisation is the basis of successful branding.
Hotels can customise their solid cosmetics with their own logo and hotel name to create a coordinated image and strengthen the bond with guests. In addition, you can choose eco-friendly and designer packaging that reflects the style and values of your hotel. Details often make the difference.

Staff training is crucial.
For the introduction of solid cosmetics in hotels to be effective, it is essential to train staff on the use and benefits of these products. In this way, employees can inform and advise guests on the correct use of solid cosmetics and their characteristics. For example, Albogroup’s solid cosmetics are easy to use: under water they turn into a soft cosmetic foam to be used on the body and hair. Furthermore, the decision to make the bar of soap divisible means that the Albogroup solid product is even more sustainable, because the consumer can choose to use only part of it, thus avoiding unnecessary waste.

Values to be spent also in communication and promotion.
To enhance the adoption of solid cosmetics and attract new customers, hotels can exploit communication and promotion channels such as social media, the website and information brochures. It is important to communicate the hotel’s green philosophy, highlighting the use of solid cosmetics and other environmental sustainability initiatives. Albogroup can provide all the necessary marketing support.

Ease of transport.
Solid cosmetics are practical and light to carry, thanks to their compact shape and the absence of liquids. They are ideal for travellers who wish to travel with hand luggage and comply with restrictions on liquids in aeroplanes.

Adaptability to different needs.
Thanks to the variety of products available, solid cosmetics can meet the needs of different skin and hair types, offering customised solutions for each guest. They are also suitable for those who follow a vegan lifestyle or are looking for cruelty-free products.

Use while travelling
Solid cosmetics are perfect for travellers who want to maintain a sustainable body care routine away from home. They are easy to use and store in the beauty case, without the risk of spills or broken containers.

The use of solid cosmetics is simple: just wet them lightly and lather your hands, then apply the product to your body or hair like a normal cleanser. After use, it is important to let the solid cosmetic dry and store it in a protective container once dry, to avoid deterioration caused by contact with water. You can also use a natural cotton net to hold the solid soap and hang it in the shower.

Solid cosmetics are an environmentally friendly, sustainable and natural alternative to traditional body care products. Thanks to their formulation based on vegetable and organic ingredients, these products respect the environment, skin and hair, offering an ideal solution for those who want to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing the quality and effectiveness of personal care products. Contribute to a great ecological revolution by starting with small everyday gestures.

Present in various packaged foods and cosmetic products, but also used in the energy sector, palm oil has been the subject of much debate in recent years regarding its sustainability, and more.

Despite an ever-increasing demand, due to the high yield of its cultivation and its specific properties, including cosmetic ones, palm oil does not enjoy a good reputation today. Doubts are linked both to the deforestation for which it is held responsible and to the adoption of agricultural practices far removed from the concept of sustainability.

Palm Oil has also been accused of causing health damage. But there are many false myths surrounding this oil. There are, for example, cosmetic products that contain palm oil with RSPO certification, which guarantees its exclusive provenance from certified sustainable agriculture. This is why for many years Albogroup has been offering its customers RSPO-certified hotel cosmetics and contract manufacturing services for high-end cosmetics with certified sustainable Palm Oil. It is a choice of ethical awareness that Albogroup proposes to its customers, thus contributing to the sustainable use of Palm Oil, which remains one of the most ductile and rich vegetable oils, with very high natural emulsifying and emollient properties.

RSPO-certified hotel cosmetics lines

Albogroup specialises in contract manufacturing of soap for courtesy lines for hotel distributors worldwide. We have always been careful to promote more sustainable production choices and for this reason we offer our customers the possibility of creating cosmetic lines for hotels that are RSPO certified, i.e. using palm oil from sustainable agriculture.

The customer who asks Albogroup for RSPO-certified contract manufacturing or the production of a customised RSPO-certified hotel toiletries will find a company that can advise, design and produce high quality products at the right price. The result will be a versatile product that meets high quality standards while respecting people and the environment.

What is the RSPO certificate in cosmetics?

But what does RSPO mean?

The acronym ‘Roundtable on Substainable Palm Oil’ is intended to make it easy to identify companies that meet both environmental and social criteria for palm oil when using it.

The organisation in question has a twofold task. On the one hand to provide certification; on the other hand to supervise sustainable production.

Currently, RSPO certification is recognised internationally as the most important sustainability standard. And the collaboration of certification bodies allows the sustainability of the entire production chain to be monitored.

Thanks to the Roundtable on Substainable Palm Oil, tonnes of sustainable palm oil exceeded 20% of the total, involving more than 3.5 million hectares of plantations.

However, we cannot hide the fact that the choice to use certified palm oil must first be perceived as an ethical and respectful choice. The customer who buys a product containing certified sustainable palm oil must be aware that the product might cost a little more because RSPO certification requires a higher cost. Certification requires strict control of the entire supply chain.

Commonplaces about palm oil

As mentioned earlier, there are many clichés about palm oil, “demonising” its use by companies and its consumption. Let us examine some of them in detail in order to dispel the doubts surrounding this oil.

The importance of palmitic acid in nutrition

Few people know it, but breast milk, thus the most complete food for growing infants, is composed of 20-25% palmitic acid. This saturated fat is able to provide the energy infants need and is crucial in the first months of life. Considering that palm oil has about 45% palmitic oil, considering it a health threat seems risky. More than the amount of saturated fat ingested, one should consider the adoption of a correct lifestyle, starting with a varied and balanced diet.

The fight against deforestation and the importance of sustainable palm oil

Data collected by Greenpeace on deforestation shows that between 1990 and 2014, Indonesia lost such a high percentage of forest hectares that it covered the whole of Germany.

Fortunately, Greenpeace itself promoted the table known as the “Palm Oil Innovation Group”, of which WWF and RSPO-certified companies are also members.

The objective? Involve local producers, define soils suitable for oil palm plantations and create transparent traceability.

Palm oil in cosmetics

One only has to look at the INCI of various cosmetic products to realise the importance of palm oil in this field. The oil and its derivatives have excellent cosmetic characteristics, primarily the ability to moisturise the skin.

Palm oil constitutes the fatty part in many cosmetic products, and is chosen not only for its great availability, but above all because it is a safe ingredient that does not cause irritation or sensitisation of the skin or eyes.

Using RSPO-certified palm oil is therefore a feasible and desirable ethical choice, starting with those widely consumed products such as soap, found in all hotels and in domestic use.

Contact the Albogroup team if you want to produce a quality line of soaps for hotels or large-scale distribution and are looking for an Italian contract manufacturer able to offer you an all-round global service, from design to final production.

Seriously consider using RSPO-certified palm oil for your cosmetics line. Albogroup will give you all the information you need.

The market offers various possibilities, many of which are characterised by very sophisticated and special fragrances. Here, then, is Albogroup’s advice for your next choice of the best soap and liquid cosmetics dispenser for hotels.

What exactly is a soap dispenser and how does it work?

The dispensing device originated with the large-scale spread of liquid soaps.

The United States in the 1980s saw a boom in the use of bottles capable of dispensing soaps and detergents. They were born out of a common need to provide a service to customers in hotels, accommodations and restaurants.

The soap dispenser originated for commercial purposes but soon became an accessory in the home as well.

The mechanism behind it is simple: a bottle is fitted with a dispensing pump that allows the contents to be dispensed in exact doses. Generally, dispensing is by means of a pressure mechanism, the classic pump, or membrane cap; these are the most commonly used solutions.

The principle behind it is as simple as it is effective; this is one of the elements that have contributed to the object’s diffusion in every context. While the aim of rationalising consumption has been preserved over time, current perspectives see a profound change in the models and innovations adopted.

The delivery mechanisms evolve but its utility remains unchanged.

How many types of dispensers exist?

Often, when approaching the choice of a dispenser, the first question that arises is how large the bottle should be in order to guarantee an autonomy adapted to the usage profile. The reality is different: the volume of the bottle is closely related to the guarantee of product stability.

Typically, dispensers travel for capacities of up to 500 mL; however, smaller ones can also be found. For example, classic hotel dispensers for shampoo, bath and shower gel or liquid soap generally have a capacity of 300-400 ml, take up little space, are easily replaceable or refillable, and are an important piece of furniture that must dialogue with the style of the bathroom where it is placed. By now, even luxury hotels are introducing dispensers in their bathrooms, because they represent a truly sustainable choice compared to traditional cosmetics in small single-dose formats.

An important factor in the choice of dispensers is also the issue of safety and the inviolability of the product to protect the consumer. Safety depends primarily on the material of which the dispenser is made; plastics are among the most commonly used solutions and guarantee easier maintenance. To say ‘plastic’ is not necessarily to speak of pollution of the environment. In fact, there are different types of plastics that have been developed to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. For example, there are dispensers made from recyclable plastics, recycled plastics such as corn starch, sugar cane or bioplastics that are constantly evolving. It is the conscious handling of waste that ultimately makes the difference.

This is why plastic dispensers are the most widely used today. Albogroup has chosen to use recyclable plastics for its dispensers that can be recycled in a virtuous way, thus reducing costs, waste and pollution. It is worth mentioning that the use of dispensers in hotels is one of the most eco-friendly solutions to date because compared to traditional plastic mini-sizes, dispensers are cheaper, use much less plastic for the same amount of consumption, refillable solutions are available and management in the hotel is simpler and faster. In hotels all over Europe, 30 or 50 ml bottles will almost certainly be completely replaced in the near future by the new dispensers for shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, shower gels, liquid soaps or body creams. Albogroup is a leading manufacturer of dispensers for hotels and is able to develop specific lines for each customer, from the simplest and most essential to design projects with special ingredients of the highest quality. Contact us for more information on our products and services, both for immediately available dispenser collections and for contract manufacturing.

Linea Italia Dispenser Collection

Among Albogroup’s most popular dispenser collections is CODICE ITALIA, a line dedicated to the Italian territory and its typical fragrances. The characteristic essences of Italy accompany the senses on a journey through the beauty that the Mediterranean can offer. This is why Albogroup wanted to honour the excellence of Italy by dedicating an entire range of dispensers to it.

Focusing on quality means entrusting hotel amenities with a clear message: Italian hospitality is attention to detail, style and creativity, even for seemingly unimportant service products such as consumables in a hotel bathroom.

The idea of wall-mounted dispensers was born to combine the tradition of the classic dispenser with the practicality of space-saving solutions in an ideal volume to preserve product integrity.

Albogroup’s Linea Codice Italia focuses on quality but also on the affinities between fragrances, allowing customers to create their own personalised mix. The aim is to pamper the guest, the means can be a combination of the available fragrance types. The result could be inebriating.

What dispensing mechanisms do the dispensers have?

The dosing pump is one of the most popular dispensing methods. Its simple mechanism makes it easy to use, but above all, it guarantees a correct dispensing of the contents, avoiding unnecessary product waste.

From the most widespread and inexpensive solutions, we move on to the innovations of recent years. Automatic models were already present on the professional scene, but their boom came during the recent pandemic period. The technology ensures that the cosmetic liquid is dispensed without physical contact with the dispenser. The advantages of the solution are undoubted but these devices often require frequent battery changes. The result is that the more classic solutions still prove to be the most popular, especially for dispensers to be placed inside bathrooms or showers.

What are the advantages of hotel dispensers?

The use in hotels of soap dispensers and cosmetic products in general offers numerous advantages, not only economic. Cosmetic dispenser solutions, such as shampoo and shower gel in hotel bathrooms, mainly ensure waste control and are therefore highly appreciated from a green perspective.

Ensuring that the containers are always replenished is the only effort required, saving considerable time and energy.

Do you need to develop your own exclusive and customised line of cosmetic dispensers for hotels and are you looking for a manufacturer who can give you an all-round service? Albogroup is the right company for you! We specialise in the production of high-quality dispensers for the hotel sector and can offer a wide range of customised solutions to meet your specific needs.

If you are interested in learning more about how we can help you develop your own line of hotel cosmetic dispensers, contact us now! Our team of experts will be happy to answer all your questions and provide you with all the information you need. Don’t hesitate, contact us to start creating your own line of customised hotel cosmetic dispensers!