Release issued 18th August 2008

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL (August 18, 2008) - AMCOL HBS, a recognized leader in skin care technology and dermatology products, has introduced Skin Brightening Complex, a hydroquinone-free skin rejuvenation therapy developed to return health and radiance to mature skin. The product is built on AMCOL HBS' proprietary MICROSPONGE® delivery system technology (www.microsponge.com).

This advanced skin-care formulation has been clinically proven to substantially brighten skin and reduce the appearance of discolorations due to photodamage, pregnancy, acne and environmental factors. Milder than traditional bleaching creams, and more affordable than expensive medical laser treatments, HBS Skin Brightening Complex fills a significant market gap in treatment options for hyperpigmentation.

"AMCOL HBS is dedicated to providing the best possible solutions for our customers. With our unique technologies and formulation and manufacturing expertise, we are uniquely positioned to partner with our customers, whether they need specialty ingredients, custom formulations or turnkey finished products," says Kevin Cureton, HBS Managing Director. "HBS Skin Brightening Complex represents a notable achievement in skin rejuvenation, and a sophisticated addition to the AMCOL HBS product line."

HBS Skin Brightening Complex is a dual-action therapy combining the skin-brightening effectiveness of kojic dipalmitate with the rejuvenating benefits of retinol to combat the age spots and fine lines that often accompany aging. HBS Skin Brightening Complex evens out skin tone and reduces discoloration, resulting in a complexion that is luminous and more youthful in appearance. In a 13-week clinical trial, trained clinicians and participants alike saw substantial improvement under visible, UVA and polarized light.

"Hydroquinone is considered the gold standard for skin lightening, and therefore it was very impressive when our clinical studies showed similar skin-lightening performance for our product in comparison to the leading market 2% hydroquinone cream," says Ralph Spindler, Director of Research & Development.

The actual application and esthetics of the HBS Skin Brightening Complex are equally impressive.

"This product works really well and, unlike other retinol products, does not irritate my skin. I would recommend it for all skin types." says a Princeton, N.J., salon-based esthetician. "It feels fluid and silky, absorbs quickly and dries to a nice matte finish."

Because the formulation is based on MICROSPONGE technology, HBS Skin Brightening Complex maintains its effectiveness over time, unlike many other retinol products. Additionally, the MICROSPONGE sustained-release process improves performance without compromising mildness, even on sensitive skin.

Skin Brightening Complex, available exclusively from AMCOL HBS, is a clinically proven effective alternative to traditional skin lightening products, restoring health and radiance to dull and uneven skin safely, effectively and gently.

About AMCOL HBS
AMCOL Health & Beauty Solutions, Inc. (HBS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMCOL International Corporation, a $750 million specialty materials producer and marketer. HBS was incorporated in 2001 to apply AMCOL's 75 years of polymer and mineral technology expertise to the Personal Care, Cosmetics, Pharmaceutical, and Nutraceutical markets. Through its leading technology platforms, formulation and manufacturing expertise and clinically proven products, HBS is able to help its customers achieve greater success and profitability.

Study conducted by Springhouse Skin Research Inc.; Michael Christensen, Ph. D., investigator. For more information on study protocol or findings, please contact Courtney Keppelman.

(26th February 2009) Amcol HBS will be exhibiting at the Academy of Dermatology 67th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA.