A Closer Look at the Cosmetics Industry

and the Role of Marketing Translation

By Agnes Meilhac

The three most significant factors defining the cosmetics

What can be said about trans- industry are its level of globalization and the
lating marketing copy for cosmetics
companies? Anyone will agree that the
cosmetics industry has generated an
importance of exports, dependence on research
important sub-field of technical trans-
lation with a language all its own. It
and development and innovation,
would not be an understatement to say and heavy use of advertising.
that this is a very interesting field,
though some might not consider it as
challenging as, say, financial or legal
translation. Even so, translators ven-
turing into this field will face a variety the end of the 1800s. The industry cosmetic products across international
of challenges sure to make their work became truly established in the 20th boundaries and cultural barriers. To
an intellectually stimulating and century, and has experienced an translate creative marketing docu-
rewarding experience. impressive upsurge in growth within ments that convey finely honed scien-
the past two decades. tific messages, the translator
From Past to Present Today, the three most significant continually wears two hats, com-
Cosmetics have been around for a factors defining the cosmetics bining leading-edge research and
long time, the notion of beauty industry are its level of globalization marketing tools to recreate a specific
enhancement having taken shape with and the importance of exports, parlance. The language of cosmetics
the earliest civilizations. In the dependence on research and develop- is the industry-specific jargon used to
Western world, the advent of cos- ment and innovation, and heavy use define and sell products to consumers.
metics came about in the Middle of advertising. Each of these charac- It is shaped by the very elements that
Ages, but the scientific manufacturing teristics has a significant impact on characterize this booming multi-bil-
of perfumes and beauty aids did not translators specializing in this area. lion dollar market, one of the few sec-
begin until the Industrial Age, toward It is the translator’s job to help sell tors in the global industry ·

The ATA Chronicle n April 2010 21

A Closer Look at the Cosmetics Industry and the Role of Marketing Translation Continued

landscape with steady growth rates, at

least until the current downturn.
Like many consumer products, cos-
metics have undergone an important The combination of science and advertising in the
phase of globalization, transitioning
from a market in which many small marketing mix to sell beauty products results in an
businesses sold products domestically
to one consisting of “global brands”
interesting linguistic phenomenon that places dual
marketed worldwide by a small number
of large international corporations.
demands on the translator.
Geared toward exports, the industry’s
marketing strategies are hence heavily
dependent on multicultural communica-
tion, and translation is an inherent part purpose or multi-functional cosmetics guage becomes an inherent part of its
of the process. with multiple benefits that address essence and outer package. It must be
consumers’ need for convenience with precisely worded to appeal to a prede-
From Competition to Innovation faster acting formulations (moistur- fined target population of consumers
The cosmetics industry exists in a izing cleansers, anti-wrinkle sun care, and also accurately represent the
fiercely competitive environment, in anti-aging shampoos). brand’s image. Ultimately, product lan-
which the top 10 multinationals con- While science is used to make cos- guage breaks down and simplifies sci-
trolling over half of the market are metics products unique and distinct, entific data in order to make it not only
continually challenged by smaller advertising adds the element of attractive but also comprehensible.
companies sprouting all over the glamour and sophistication that helps
globe. Large and small companies drive the scientific message home. The “Gimmicks”
alike spare no effort to roll out new The cosmetics industry is notoriously Loanwords
products consistently based on new ranked as one of the highest ad The most striking aspect of cos-
expertise and new science. Research spenders. Perfume and cosmetics metic copy is the large number of
and development and technological companies spend an average of 19.2% loanwords from science. Twenty-five
innovation are the driving forces of their net sales on advertising. By years ago, the average consumer had
behind sales.1 comparison, the ad/sales ratios for never heard of exfoliation, dehydra-
Innovation in the field of beauty pharmaceutical companies and wire- tion, or keratinization, at least not in
has delivered such products as water- less communications providers are the context of beauty. But cosmetics
proof mascara, anti-dandruff sham- 4.2% and 3.1%, respectively.2 manufacturers have sought the
poos, light-reflecting pigments that endorsement of the medical profes-
conceal under-eye shadows, and sun Innovation in Language sion for decades. Medically inspired
care creams that protect skin against The combination of science and products appear more “serious” and
harmful ultraviolet rays. But most advertising in the marketing mix to sell “safe” to a certain category of con-
markets are now saturated, especially beauty products results in an interesting sumers. Today, techno talk—
in North America and Europe, where linguistic phenomenon that places dual including cell regeneration, immune
consumers are inundated with a demands on the translator. The language protection, collagen depletion, stems
plethora of products based on very of cosmetics is a blend of technology cells, growth factor, free radicals,
similar concepts. So the marketers’ and creativity. It is replete with lin- anti-oxidants, DNA, and coenzymes—
ultimate goal today is to make prod- guistic structures that include borrow- is readily accepted by savvy, well-
ucts that stand out and catch the con- ings from science as well as the use of versed cosmetics buyers used to being
sumer’s attention and purse strings. neologisms, creative compounds, buzz- exposed to increasingly more sophis-
Over the years, this has resulted in an words, and catchphrases that are typi- ticated claims.
increasingly more complex and more cally found in advertising and glamour Medical-sounding affixes like bio-,
precisely targeted product offer. industries. Used to carefully outline the micro-, and pro- also abound (as in
Recent advancements include multi- product’s defining “universe,” the lan- biological, microscopic, and probi-

22 The ATA Chronicle n April 2010

 Industry Resources
The following are important industry associations whose websites are generally excellent sources of wide-ranging background information:

Comparison of FDA and EU Regulations Japan Cosmetic Industry Association

from the Consumer’s Point of View www.jcia.org
www.pgbeautyscience.com/u.s.-and-eu-cosmetic-regulation-similarities.html
La Fédération des Industries de la Parfumerie
CosmeticsDesign www.industrie-gfifrance.com
www.cosmeticsdesign.com (This site contains links to other related French organizations.)
(This is a source for business news on cosmetics formulation and packaging in
North America.) Personal Care Products Council
(Formerly the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association)
Cosmetic Ingredient Review www.personalcarecouncil.org
www.cir-safety.org
Quid.fr
Cosmetics & Toiletries www.quid.fr/selection.html?catid=17&subcatid=527
www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com (This site has links to many of the world’s large cosmetics companies, with flags
showing the languages of each website.)
European Cosmetics Association
www.colipa.com Soap and Detergent Association
www.cleaning101.com
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Society of Cosmetic Chemists
www.cfsan.fda.gov www.scconline.org

HBA Global Expo SpecialChem Cosmetics

Annual Health and Beauty America Trade Fair www.specialchem4cosmetics.com
www.hbaexpo.com (This site contains information on formulation and ingredients.)
(This is the place to go to find information on the largest product development
event and education conference for the personal care, fragrance, wellness, and
cosmetics industry.)

otics) in terms such as biomolecular now to MP3s. aging, genetic aging, and even myo-
eye serum, microtechnology bio active One former cosmetic neologism we aging (a customized term invented by
foundation, pro-collagen cream, may not recognize given its widespread L’Oreal for the launch of its Myokine
microsmoothing face serum, and a use is moisturizer. More recent line of skin care).
bio-stimulating night cream with coinages include crepiness, Botox-like,
microlift.3 cosmeceuticals, nanoparticulate, and Creative Compounding
skin restorer. And how about crow’s feet Creative compounding is another
Coining New Terminology wrinkles, worry lines, laugh lines, mar- form of new word formation that is
New word formations are a natural ionette lines, and oral commissures? highly prevalent in the language of
consequence of innovation. Scientific These are all terms formed specifically cosmetics, particularly in the form of
discoveries require the coining of new to denote types of lines and wrinkles for adjectives. Examples of compounded
terms to describe them just as techno- use in cosmetic surgery and beauty care words forming new meanings include
logical breakthroughs in all other indus- lingo. As cosmetic science explored the skin-tensing, body-enhancing, figure-
tries spawn new vocabulary in a similar mechanism of skin aging in greater slimming, lipids-replenishing, radi-
way. In many ways, exploring the world detail, the language of cosmetics was ance-boosting, pore-clarifying, and
of cosmetics is not any different from similarly enriched with extrinsic/ acne-prone. Most of these adjectives
making the journey from phonograph intrinsic aging, photoaging, premature turn out to be verbal adjectives. In fact,
records to cassette tapes, to CDs, and aging, chronological aging, biological as a general rule, verbs and verbal ·

The ATA Chronicle n April 2010 23

A Closer Look at the Cosmetics Industry and the Role of Marketing Translation Continued

adjectives are extensively used in cos- because they refer to making improve- guage that can be understood by an
metic copy to help underline product ments, and that is exactly what cosmetic average consumer (this could be
activity and results. Consumers do not products are selling. referred to as intralingual translation).
buy so much the product as the benefits Later, in a second phase, the translator
and results it can provide, and verbs are Catchphrases and Buzzwords steps in to perform an interlingual act
all about action. Consequently, all types Catchphrases and buzzwords are of translation aimed at a culturally
of written and oral communication also used to construct sales pitches separate population. This two-tiered
about cosmetic products is packed with carefully. They follow market trends translation process, however, implies
verbs. and reflect continually changing con- quite clearly that the translator be
knowledgeable about scientific rami-
fications and nuances at each level of
communication. In addition, transla-
The language of cosmetics is the industry-specific tors in this field must call on creative
resources to comply with the purpose
jargon used to define and sell products to consumers. of the message they are translating.
This will ultimately sell the product.

Notes
A lot of these verbs follow an “up” sumer demands. For example, peace 1. “A Study of the European Cos-
and “down” movement, whereby one and relaxation are at the forefront of metics Industry.” (Global Insight
group is intended to express the idea of consumer concerns today, paving the Inc., October 2007), final report
reducing the damage to the skin (e.g., way for buzzwords such as renewal, prepared for European Commis-
wrinkles, sagging, puffiness, or more refreshing, nourishing, invigorating, sion, Directorate General for
underlying collagen depletion) and the effortless, rejuvenating, youth-enhan- Enterprise and Industry, http://ec.
other the notion of improving the skin’s cing, and replenishing. Buzzwords europa.eu/enterprise/newsroom/cf/
natural capital (e.g., youthfulness, elas- used to present products as glamorous document.cfm?action=display&do
ticity, firmness). So, on the one hand, high-end status items include pre- c_id=4561&userservice_id=1.
we will see such terms as eliminate, mium, prestige, luxury, chic, opulent,
reduce, diminish, minimize, remove, premiere, and exclusive. Products 2. Maddox, Kate. “Many Sectors to
reverse, correct, soften, relax, and, on backed by science will be described Boost Ad Spending.” B to B online
the other, we will see boost, enhance, with such terms revolutionary, inno- (July 14, 2008), www.btobonline.
stimulate, invigorate, optimize, ener- vative, breakthrough, high-perform- com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/2
gize, and brighten. In short, a product is ance, technologically advanced, 0080714/FREE/148874127/1150/I
defined by how it can eliminate the neg- potent, patented, and dramatic/spec- SSUENEWS.
ative and enhance the positive. tacular results.4
In English, verbs with the prefix re-, 3. Singer, Natasha. “Buying Face
meaning repetition or modification with In Conclusion: Cream? Grab a Glossary.” The
intention to produce a better result, are A Two-Step Approach New York Times (October, 2008),
one of the sub-groups of verbs often Of course, none of the terms dis- www.nytimes.com/2008/10/02/fas
used in cosmetics: rebuild the cutaneous cussed here are used randomly. They hion/02skin.html?pagewanted=all.
barrier; restore elasticity; restructure are part of a carefully constructed,
cellular cement; replenish moisture finely-tuned message intended to 4. “Buzz Words That Sell.” GCI
reserves; renew the skin’s youthfulness; “translate” technological expertise to Magazine (Pierce Matty Publi-
rejuvenate, reactivate the night-time make it more consumer friendly. And cations, May 27, 2008), www.gci
repair process; retexturize, refinish, and herein lies one of the interesting magazine.com/business/marketing/
refine the skin’s surface; regenerate aspects of translating cosmetic copy. 19293699.html.
damaged cells; rebalance the skin’s The process of translation takes place
deep hydration; and redesign facial con- on two levels. First, the core science
tours. These verbs are important is reworded by marketers into a lan-

24 The ATA Chronicle n April 2010

 Our Authors April 2010

Eric S. Bullington is an ATA-certified French→English freelance Agnes Meilhac is a graduate of Ecole Supérieure d’Interprètes et
translator, specializing in biomedical and pharmaceutical transla- de Traducteurs in Paris, where she earned a degree in translation.
tion. Prior to becoming a translator, he received a master’s degree She has an MA in German literature from the University of
in public health and worked as a health researcher. He maintains Pennsylvania, and an MA in French literature from New York
his ties to the public health field by volunteering with his local University. In 1997, she started working full-time as a freelance
branch of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and serving on the translator in Paris, specializing in the cosmetics and beauty care
branch’s steering committee. In 2009, he represented the MRC industry. Over the past 13 years, she has translated for many
on the South Carolina Pandemic Influenza Ethics Task Force. leading companies in the field. She is also the editor of the
Contact: [email protected]. Gotham Translator , the newsletter of the New York Circle of
Translators. Contact: [email protected]:
Ewandro Magalhães is a conference [email protected].
interpreter with nearly 20 years of
experience. He is a contractor with the Barry Olsen is a professor at the Monterey Institute of
U.S. Department of State, the International Studies, where he is chair of the conference interpre-
International Monetary Fund, the World tation program. He is a member of the International Association of
Bank, the Organization of American Conference Interpreters. Contact: [email protected].
States, the Pan-American Health
Organization, and the International George Rimalower is founder,
Criminal Court. He has a Master’s in Conference Interpretation from president, and chief executive officer
the Monterey Institute of International Studies, where he is an of Los Angeles-based ISI Language
adjunct professor. He is the author of Sua Majestade, o Intérprete - Services. He is certified as an inter-
O Fascinante Mundo da Tradução Simultânea (Parábola Editorial, preter by the State of California. A
São Paulo). He is an active member of The American Association of native Spanish-speaker, he was edu-
Language Specialist. Contact: [email protected]. cated in Argentina and the U.S. He
speaks English, Spanish, and German.
Contact: [email protected].
April 201
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