Brand-supplier partnerships will come to the fore amid the online skin care landscape – DR.CI:LABO

Speaking to CosmeticsDesign-Asia, the brand highlighted the increasing importance of being transparent with the partners it works with.

“Transparency is in our brand’s philosophy… DR.CI:LABO is not just a brand; it's a testament to trust and recognition earned through years of dedication to aesthetic science and putting consumers first, making us the number one premium dermo-cosmetic brand in Japan,” said Angela Du, R&D Manager Skin Health APAC, Kenvue.

The brand has been open about its long-term collaboration with cosmetic ingredients maker Symrise.

“DR.CI:LABO has a long-standing working relationship with Symrise which is not common in the industry… This partnership is essential as it unlocked resources and shared knowledge discovery between two powerhouses to develop breakthrough results,” Du emphasised.

In addition to ingredient suppliers, the brand also works closely with aesthetic clinics, hospitals, and healthcare professionals to ensure its developments are of “highest quality and efficacy,” said Du.

Du said that as consumer become more involved with skin care, they will appreciate brands that are transparent about their collaborations.

“These involvements and partnerships are becoming more valued by opinion leaders, influencers and consumers today with the rise in social media and deeper involvement with skin care products.”

Earlier this year, the brand’s parent company, Kenvue, introduced and sponsored the Kenvue Trusted Science Award, and ingredients trade show, in-cosmetics Global 2024.

“The Kenvue Trusted Science Award is not only about recognising cosmetic science excellence in the industry, but it also guides us towards a future where innovation meets integrity,” said Du.

“We value the importance of meeting consumer needs every day, with ingredients that are backed by trusted scientific research or clinical data and underpinned with socially responsible or sustainable standards. This award showcases the brilliance of today and the promise of a more responsible and scientifically advanced tomorrow.”

A long-standing partnership​

DR.CI:LABO and Symrise have been working together since 2009, which has evolved into a valuable partnership.

According to the brand, the collaboration between the two companies started with its founder, Dr Yoshinori Shirono.

“Dr. Shirono and his team at the Shirono Clinic made history by being the first to partner Symrise to introduce the groundbreaking ingredient known as SYMWHITE 377 into the world of dermo-cosmetic skin care products in Japan… Dr. Shirono recognised its exceptional potential and seamlessly integrated it into DR.CI:LABO formulations, marking a significant milestone in the Japanese skin care industry,” said Du.

Over the next 15 years, the partnership with DR.CI:LABO and Symrise, continued to explore the potential of SYMWHITE 377 to address Asian skin needs, including hyperpigmentation and improving collagen health.

Their latest collaboration resulted in the newly upgraded DR.CI:LABO 377VC Radiance Serum​, which features an exclusive ingredient, BV-3X GLOW.

“It represents the next generation of brightening serum. To create this combo, Symrise and DR.CI:LABO’ invested heavily in research and development to examine over 20 over combos with in-vitro study to validate the best for Asian skin, followed by hospital standard clinical validation before the product could be launched,” Du explained.

In addition to DR.CI:LABO, Symrise also works with other brands in the Kenvue portfolio, including Aveeno, Neutrogena and Listerine.