Editor’s picks: the top five articles of 2014

Consumers have taken a real interest in environmental issues, ranging from sustainable packaging and ingredient sourcing to the ways that harsh climate conditions affect the skin. In response, this year saw several Cosmetic brands develop antipollution products for China​.

Fine particulate matter, specks of pollution measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter and known as PM_2.5​, create the haze that limits visibility in urban areas.  Beauty brands have responded with products that may make anti-PM_2.5 ​a viable new skincare segment. “Some Chinese brands have integrated the word ‘PM2.5’ directly on their packaging such as Hua Niang, Fumakilla, however no official studies can prove the real link between these products and action on PM2.5,” ​Florence Bernardin, CEO of Information & Inspiration, told Cosmetics Design early this year. 

Groups outside the industry as well as consumer expectations are setting the agenda for corporate social responsibility. Thus the article, PETA takes on Hindustan Unilever, P&G, and L’Oreal for animal testing​, got its fair share of attention this year.  

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA,) along with affiliated groups, initiated a campaign urging the Indian Beauty & Hygiene Association to support a ban on animal testing for personal care products developed in and imported to India.  

With an eye on the future, Euromonitor highlights top 4 beauty trends to watch out for in APAC​.

Four personal care trends are responsible for growth in the Asia-Pacific region, according to Pei Ying, a beauty and personal care analyst with Euromonitor. Namely, multifunctional products, at-home beauty treatments like facial masks, products that promise camera-ready looks for the #Selfie crowd, and men’s anti-aging skin care.    

An exclusive interview with Junko Miyano, Nihon L’Oreal’s digital marketing director provided a window in on L’Oreal’s digital marketing strategy in Japan​.

Learning from the best practices of beauty brands that are connecting digitally with consumers in the US (a country Miyano says is ahead of Japan by about three years when it comes to tech and social media), L’Oreal has focused on strategic celebrity partnerships; on taking advantage of e-commerce to let discrete consumers research and purchase products that treat gray hair; and on using the existing beauty community site @cosme as well as the company’s own dedicated website to reach consumers in Japan.