China focus: Latest developments in China’s booming beauty market

Bordeaux leaves for skin care: HBN partners with Hallstar on custom active to stay ahead in competitive China market​​

Chinese beauty brand HBN is collaborating with Hallstar to develop a custom active derived from Bordeaux leaves to give it an edge in the increasingly competitive Chinese anti-ageing skin care market.

HBN was founded in 2019 and became well-known for its commitment to developing scientifically backed skin care products.

The staunch focus on product efficacy has accelerated the brand’s success in a short period. In 2023, the company’s annual sales surpassed USD400m.

‘Accessible for everyone’: L'Oréal HK champions social responsibility to engage value-driven Gen Z consumers​​

L’Oréal Hong Kong says it aims to build long-term trust, advocacy, and loyalty with value-conscious Generation Z consumers through impactful social initiatives and inclusive brand values.

The firm believes the modern consumer practises ethical consumption, aligning their purchases with their personal values and making choices that contribute to the well-being of society and the planet.

This is driving the company to place “social and environmental performance at the centre of its strategy”.​

For future initiatives, the firm plans to focus more on mental health, a cause that resonates strongly with younger consumers.

Yatsen underlines significant commercial potential of makeup-skin care hybrids with latest R&D investments​​

Chinese cosmetics major Yatsen Holding’s latest research and development investments target the growing market demand for makeup with skin care benefits.

The company recently unveiled its new Yatsen Global Innovation and R&D Centre in Shanghai.

According to the company, it invested over RMB80 (USD11m) into the new facilities, which it said will support its product development and technological innovation ambitions.

The R&D centre is said to be a “first-class”​ facility that has been benchmarked against the standards of leading international firms.

Atelier Rebul reaches new milestones with Indonesia debut, China flagship​​

Turkish fragrance house Atelier Rebul is set to launch in Indonesia this year and will unveil flagship heritage store in Shanghai, China next year as it reaches 130th anniversary.

Unlike a regular standalone store, Atelier Rebul’s upcoming heritage store will offer its signature personalisation services. Located in Shanghai’s fashionable Xin Tian Di area, it will be the brand’s second heritage store.

Co-CEO Nuket Filiba said that opening a store in an important market like China will be crucial for the brand’s growth globally.

‘Modern way is the old way’: Teaology eyes brick-and-mortar expansion in China as online competition intensifies​​

Italian skin care brand Teaology has its sights set on building a physical retail presence in China, as competition through cross-border e-commerce heats up.

Founded in 2015, Teaology is known for its use of tea infusions as a solvent instead of water in its product formulations.

The brand has resonated with Chinese beauty consumers with its clean and ethical principles, effective formulations, and its use of tea sourced from China.

While its performance in China has been healthy, the company believes moving into brick-and-mortar will help advance the business there.