News & Analysis on Cosmetics Innovation
A study by South Korean researchers has identified a thermostable enzyme derived from bitter melon (Momordica charantia) that effectively removes dead skin cells and boosts hydration, outperforming common cosmetic enzymes like papain in heat resistance.
New research has found that black ginseng extract (BGE) can significantly mitigate the damage caused by chronic ultraviolet exposure, making it a potent natural ingredient candidate for anti-ageing formulations.
A study in South Korea has identified a novel short peptide, CP-02, that can significantly accelerate wound healing while simultaneously reducing the risk of scarring.
Researchers in South Korea have identified a liquid extract from the bark of Magnolia officinalis that rejuvenated skin by repairing the “powerhouses” of cells, known as mitochondria, and reducing the harmful waste products they produced.
Kolmar Korea has won a long-running legal dispute against Intercos Korea over the leakage of proprietary sun care technologies by former employees.
New research from Japan suggests that physiologically active compounds derived from Chloranthus quadrifolius are promising candidates for cosmetic applications aimed at skin regeneration and anti-ageing.
A data scientist from KOSÉ Corporation is set to demystify quantum computing and discuss how this advanced technology can steer future cosmetics R&D during a conference session at Personal Care and Homecare Ingredients (PCHi) 2026.
Researchers in South Korea have developed a high-performance delivery system that pushes large-molecule anti-ageing ingredients deep into the skin.
New research from China revealed that low-hydration skin was not simply the result of a lipid shortage, but is characterised by systemic lipidomic dysregulation.
This round-up highlights recent developments in the K-beauty market, spanning cosmetics export figures to highly anticipated strategic collaborations.
A cream formulated with diverse bioactive ingredients derived from Kampo, traditional Japanese herbal medicine, can significantly reduce shallow wrinkles at corners of the eyes in women.
FANCL Corporation’s joint research with Tottori University has led to the development of new inorganic pigments that overcome issues with colour vibrancy.
This round-up highlights recent developments in the Japanese beauty market, including news from Kao and mä & më Latte, latest research findings, and more.
A metabolite derived from a common probiotic bacterium, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, has demonstrated powerful and safe skin lightening effects in laboratory tests, positioning it as a promising new ingredient for the functional cosmetics market.
South Korean researchers have found that N-carbamylglutamate (NCG), a molecule already used to support gut and reproductive health, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-melanogenic properties that contribute to the attenuation of skin ageing.
K-beauty is said to be experiencing a “second coming”, with advanced technology, stronger brand positioning, and mid-range products that deliver high quality taking centre stage.
Japanese personal care brand mä & më Latte is experiencing sustained popularity among parents for its hair care products that can be used by both adults and children.
Find out the three key areas, including shifts in consumer needs and categories in demand, that are expected to shape the development of K-beauty in 2026.
Seoul-based cosmetics company linnofashion has launched a comprehensive international expansion strategy, positioning itself as a leader in merging K-beauty innovation with customised local market penetration.
LG Household & Health Care (LG H&H) is set to double down on its R&D for next-generation beauty tech devices that integrate personalisation and wearability.
A new study from Taiwan has reported that a blend of Astragalus membranaceus and Centella asiatica saponins (ACS) improved multiple markers of skin health when used both as a topical cream and as an oral supplement.
K-beauty veteran Lee Kaja sheds light on how the perception of beauty, including hair care, has shifted in South Korea, with personalisation becoming an important area of focus.
South Korean beauty giant Amorepacific has jointly developed a beauty tech system with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which it says goes beyond observation to prediction and management of skin changes.
This round-up highlights new product launches in the Indian market, which underscore the growing importance of oral care and democratisation of beauty for men.
The K-beauty boom is showing no signs of slowing, as Korean skin care brands like Dr.G, MEDIPEEL, and Dr. Althea continue to actively expand their global footprint.
Clariant’s Care Chemicals recently unveiled its expanded facilities in Daya Bay, China, which it says will play a crucial role in the company’s growth strategy in Asia.
South Korean firm APR Corp says that its cosmetics and beauty divisions were key growth drivers for the third quarter of 2025, leading to record-breaking financial results it recently announced.
A new lipidomics study of 151 healthy Chinese women has reported clear, age-linked shifts in facial stratum corneum lipids between ages of 19 and 33 years.
Kolmar Korea is the only cosmetics company selected to lead an AI project funded by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), aimed at driving next-generation manufacturing.
A South Korean study has presented an eco-friendly way to supercharge ferulic acid in two traditional herbs, Cnidium officinale (CO) and Angelica gigas (AG), using hot-melt extrusion.
Kao Corporation has uncovered a biological reason for sensitive skin often experiencing stinging or burning sensations despite appearing normal, as well as a potential way to ease these symptoms.
Researchers in South Korea have reported that ε-viniferin — a compound formed when two resveratrol units join — and an ε-viniferin-enriched extract from grape flower cell cultures can help human skin cells repair themselves.
Suntory-owned men’s skin care brand KIZEN seeks to answer the rising demand among US male consumers for skin care that delivers “maximum impact with minimal effort”.
New research from Japan has identified peony root extract as a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient that can inhibit the interaction between advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptor (RAGE), and reduce AGE formation and alleviate skin...
A multifunctional ingredient, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 23 glyceryl distearate (GDS-23), has been shown to enhance skin barrier function, moisture retention, and antioxidant activity, according to a new study by researchers at Showa Medical University.
This round-up highlights the latest news and developments from the South Korean beauty market, featuring Amorepacific’s financial results, AESTURA’s entry into Oceania, K-beauty’s moves in Western markets, and more.
Japanese hair care brand unu is releasing a range of products containing ingredients that deliver both internal and external repair, which are specially targeted at straight hair.
LG Household & Health Care (LG H&H)’s beauty division saw a decrease in sales and operating profit in the second quarter of 2025, which it says is caused by intensifying market competition and domestic business restructuring.
A study in South Korea found that the two-week application of a formula containing CICA-derived exosomes produced significant improvements in pore characteristics, hydration, dermal density, and wrinkle depth.
Amorepacific has reported increases in sales and operating profit across domestic and international markets in the second quarter of 2025, attributing them to the strong performance of its flagship brands and core products.
Kyoto-based MY ONLY FRAGRANCE has observed a sharp increase in consumers who prefer concocting their own fragrances, particularly among males, as well as shifts in customer mix.
GS25 is introducing an AI device that provides personal colour analysis and product recommendations, in a bid to establish itself as a one-stop beauty platform.
A Korean court recently ruled in favour of an indie K-beauty brand in a product-copying lawsuit against retail giant Olive Young.
Amorepacific-owned COSRX has launched its first hair care range made using a patented peptide technology, as the company makes progress in hair fortification research.
Brands from South Korean cosmetics manufacturer Neopharm are targeting the body care needs of consumers during the summer season through various launches.
Japanese skin care brand INSiTU is partnering with a cosmetic acupuncture and moxibustion clinic to retail its products, amid growing interest in post-treatment home care.
This round-up highlights the latest news and developments from the South Korean beauty market, featuring the cost-effective cosmetics trend, APR Corp’s guidelines on counterfeit products, and more.
A new clinical study has confirmed that 2-aza-8-oxohypoxanthine (AOH) can lessen wrinkles by enhancing skin hydration and strengthening the skin barrier, offering cosmetics manufacturers a novel bioactive with measurable anti-ageing effects.
South Korean convenience store chain CU has installed tattoo kiosks at two high-traffic locations to capture the trend of self-expression through body art and to diversify its offerings beyond traditional products.
South Korean beauty companies are actively pushing out new brands with products distributed via budget retailers to ride on the burgeoning “cost-effective cosmetics” trend.