Drop Zone: La Roche-Posay, Avène, Bioré launches driven by cutting-edge skin science

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but today’s skin care consumers are no longer swayed solely by superficial promises; they are driven by a desire for tangible results and confidence in product safety.

They are putting their trust in brands dedicated to researching effective and safe skin solutions. This influences their buying choices, which are increasingly guided by proven efficacy and dermatological insights as they look for products that visibly deliver results.

This shift reflects more emphasis on product ingredients and clinical outcomes, where the integration of advanced skin science plays a pivotal role.

La Roche-Posay MELA B3 range​

Derma beauty brand La Roche-Posay has launched MELA B3 range, a three-product lineup featuring Melasyl, L’Oreal’s groundbreaking technology for the management of skin pigmentation.

CosmeticsDesign-Asia first reported on the debut of Melasyl​ in 2023, when it was introduced as the first “inclusive” anti-pigmentation solution​.

Melasyl has interesting mode of action, which intercepts excess melanin before it reaches the skin's surface. The firm claims users can see results in as little as one week.

The Mela B range combines of Melasyl, niacinamide, and La Roche-Posay’s signature thermal spring water.

The range consists of the MELA B3 Clarifying Micro-Peeling Gel Cleanser, the MELA B3 Serum, and the MELA B3 SPF 30. The firm said they are suitable for sensitive skin.

“We believe this new formulation will have a transformative impact on our consumers, providing a solution that not only addresses hyperpigmentation but also improves overall skin health,” said Ashlee Ng, general manager, L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty Division Malaysia and Singapore.

Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 range​

French pharmacy brand Avène recently launched its latest age-reversal range, which was based on its research into senescent cells.

Senescent cells are often referred to as zombie cells, which secrete numerous pro-ageing factors which accelerate ageing.

This research influenced the development of Hyaluron Activ B3 (HAB3), a hyaluronic acid and niacinamide complex.

“From now on, we can act directly on the cause of ageing, cellular senescence, with the objective of prolonging the youthfulness of cells in order to slow down the process in the long term,” said the brand.

This complex is in all four of its new products, including the HAB3 Cell Renewal Aqua Cream-in-Gel, which includes avocado oil.
The range also consists of the Ultra Nighttime Repair, which is described as a ‘cocooning cream’ which uses haritaki extract.

According to the firm, haritaki extract prevents the degradation of hyaluronic acid and increases its life span.

The formula also contains retinal, which is 10-times more active than retinol, to stimulate cell renewal and active collagen synthesis.

Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum​

Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum will make its Malaysia debut in July as part of the Kao Corporation’s vision of ‘Protecting Future Lives’.

The anti-mozzie product is based on an ‘anti-landing’ technology developed by Kao which uses low-viscosity silicone oil to prevent mosquitoes from staying long enough on the skin surface to feed.

This technology has allowed Kao to develop a mosquito repellent without conventional ingredients like N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) and picaridin.

According to its latest study​ published in March, the silicone oil could also affect mosquitoes' ability to track objects and cause “aversive learning to the applied odorant”.

According to one experiment, the researchers found that the mosquitoes' ability to track the object was significantly reduced when their legs were coated with the low-viscosity silicone oil.

In addition to Malaysia, the product has been rolled out to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan this year. According to the firm, it is keen to expand the Mos Block series to other countries as well.