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

Scaling further: Cosmax to expand China operations to capitalise on domestic online market growth​​

South Korean contract manufacturer Cosmax is banking on major new opportunities in China’s domestic beauty market on the back of the rise in online direct-to-consumer brands in recent years.

The DTC beauty market is characterised by a quick turnover of products to stay ahead of competition.

Cosmax has adapted by shortening the process from concept to market launch to just two to three months, which allows the company to respond swiftly to market demands and trends.

Its new facility in Xinzhuang Industrial Park in Shanghai, set for completion by 2026, will integrate research, production, and marketing under one roof so it can better serve the fast-paced domestic market.

Perfect Diary improves bionic film tech and expands to skin care, new lipstick​​

C-beauty major Perfect Diary has launched the second-generation version of bionic film technology, and applied it to a new skin care range and lipstick.

Its parent company Yatsen Holdings held an event to announce its new and improved film former, Biotec, which is said to “activate the regeneration of myogenic stem cells to achieve all-round anti-ageing of the skin”.

The company said that Biotec was the result of cooperation between 23 scientific research institutions and 42 scientists.

Lean, green, mighty bean: Green soybean shows anti-pigmentation cosmeceutical potential with tyrosinase inhibiting activity​​

Green soybean extract is a safe and stable option for inhibiting tyrosinase activity and boosting anti-pigmentation properties, according to a new study.

It was found that crude procyanidin extracted from green soybean seeds could address issues such as hyperpigmentation. At a concentration of 10 mg/mL, the extract was able to inhibit tyrosinase activity by over 60%.

Tyrosinase is an enzyme that plays a key role in melanin production, which contributes to skin pigmentation.

According to the researchers, the strong antioxidant capacity of green soybean seeds is linked to their high phenolic content.

Korea agency calls out Aliexpress, Temu, Shein for safety concerns over essential oils, pet care​​

An investigation by the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) on essential oils and pet care products sold on three Chinese e-commerce platforms, namely Aliexpress, Temu and Shein, revealed that 75.5% of 49 products tested did not meet domestic safety standards.

This highlights potential loopholes in the regulation of goods sold through these online platforms.

Furthermore, the KCA also noted down misleading advertising and mislabelling. For instance, one product sold on Shein was advertised for bath use when it was labelled as being unsuitable for skin.

In addition, seven out of 19 essential oils did not display expiry or manufacturing dates.

How to win over… China’s value-drive beauty consumers​​

CosmeticsDesign-Asia​ gleaned exclusive insights from Elizabeth Arden, G&M Cosmetics, Aromababy, alongside industry experts, to shed light on the increasingly complex landscape of China’s beauty market while highlighting its major challenges and opportunities.

Recent shifts in consumer behaviour and increasing sophistication in purchasing decisions have completed reshaped the landscape.

Beauty brands have faced another challenging year in 2024, as consumers in the once- bountiful Chinese market continued to navigate uncertain economic conditions.