No Filter with Kobo

In this episode of No Filter with Kobo, we explore Kobo’s100% Natural Origin Lip Oil in Black Cherry, a modern lip oil that blends natural origin formulation with high-performance color and sensory experience.

Spencer and Elsie are joined by Su-Anne, Application LabChemist in Kobo UK, to break down how this formula delivers a balance of color, care, and texture, all while achieving a 100% natural origin claim. Inspired by the timeless “Black Honey” aesthetic, this lip oil combines a sheer, buildable black cherry shade with a cushiony, non-sticky feel that enhances the natural lip tone.

The conversation dives into the structure behind theformula, highlighting key ingredients like CO15M5 for glossy texture and stability, KOBOGUARD® NATURAL 3000P for film-forming performance, and SunBoost AEB Natural for nourishing, antioxidant-rich benefits. The team also exploreshow Kobo’s pigment technologies enable shade development in natural color cosmetics, without relying on traditional lake pigments.

From formulation challenges to customization opportunities,this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how modern lip oils can deliver on performance, sensory appeal, and clean beauty expectations, all in one elegant formula.

Visit the links below to learn more about the formula andits standout Kobo ingredients:
KLG-129-EU 100% Natural Origin Lip Oil in Black Cherry: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/formulations/KLG-129-EU.pdf
CO15M5: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/Downloads/Kobo-FumedSilicaGellants.pdf
KOBOGUARD® NATURAL 3000P: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/Downloads/Kobo-KoboguardNatural3000series.pdf
SunBoost AEB Natural: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/Downloads/Kobo-SunBoosters.pdf
BMV-ASGP5 (Manganese Violet): https://www.koboproductsinc.com/Downloads/Kobo-ASGPTreatment.pdf
OD Dispersions: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/products.aspx?p=Pigmentary&c=Natural%20Dispersions#OD75RJE
 
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

In this episode of No Filter with Kobo, we spotlight Kobo's KLP-336-EU Mineral SPF Lip & Blush Butter Balm: a multifunctional formula designed to deliver color, comfort, and mineral sun protection in one smooth-glide balm.

Elsie is joined by first-time co-host Spencer Schmidt andreturning guest Urmi Dhamnasker from Kobo UK to explore the formulation goals, ingredient selection, and technical innovations behind this SPF lip and cheek product.

From transparent zinc oxide dispersions and film-formingtechnology to cushiony texture enhancers and subtle shimmer pigments, this episode breaks down how each component contributes to performance, stability, andconsumer appeal.

Tune in to learn how this mineral-only SPF balm meets 2026trends in multifunctional beauty, combining protection, color, and nourishing comfort in a single, elegant formula.

To learn more about the formula and Kobo ingredients in thismultifunctional balm, visit the links below:

KLP-336-EU Mineral SPF Lip & Blush ButterBalm: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/formulations/KLP-336-EU.pdf
CCC65GZSG: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/Downloads/Kobo-CCC65GZSG-Natural-ZNO-Dispersion.pdf
KOBOGUARD® NATURAL 3000P: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/Downloads/Kobo-KoboguardNatural3000series.pdf
SunBoost ATB: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/Downloads/Kobo-SunBoosters.pdf
ASGP Surface Treated Pigments: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/Downloads/Kobo-ASGPTreatment.pdf
Microspheres: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/Downloads/Kobo-Microspheres.pdf
Plandool™-H: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/Downloads/Kobo-Plandool.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

In this episode of No Filter with Kobo, we proudly unveil Kobo’s 2026 Color Palette, a curated collection of six shades designed to celebrate color, creativity, and emotional connection in cosmetics.
Gabby is joined by Nicole Young, Marketing Coordinator at Kobo, to share the inspiration behind adopting a full palette approach and how it was developed through cross-industry research and global collaboration, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, versatility, and emotional impact. Together, they explore the six shades: Royal Plum, Tranquil Teal, Fearless Fuchsia, Dusty Rose Romance, Gold Enlightenment, and Cloud White, and how each was thoughtfully selected to reflect authority, calm, bold self-expression, nostalgia, optimism, and purity.
In the second half, Elsie takes the conversation from inspiration to execution, welcoming Maria Garcia Alvarez from Kobo’s UK Applications Lab. Maria dives into the formulas that bring each shade to life, breaking down Kobo’s pigment dispersions, pearl technologies, and effect pigments that transform color concepts into high-performance cosmetic applications.
From curated color storytelling to the ingredients that makethese shades possible, this episode explores how Kobo’s 2026 Color Palette translates emotion into formulation, empowering brands and formulators to create products that resonate, perform, and inspire.
To explore the formulas behind each shade in Kobo’s 2026 Color Palette, visit the link: https://www.koboproductsinc.com/formulations/Kobo-2026-KolorPalette-Formulary.pdf
Stay connected and up to date with Kobo by following us onsocial media:
Instagram (@koboproducts)
LinkedIn
Facebook
X
 

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

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

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