East Asia

Research group unearths new info on photo-ageing damage

Research group unearths new info on photo-ageing damage

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Scientists have provided an objective index for evaluating the degree of progress of dermal tissue changes caused by photo-ageing and revealed for the first time that elastin abnormality develops in the lower dermis during the early stages.

China imposes anti-dumping duties on US and EU chemicals

China imposes anti-dumping duties on US and EU chemicals

By Michelle Yeomans

China has imposed anti-dumping duties on the imports of two chemicals widely used as coupling agents for water-based coatings present in cosmetics and other consumer goods from the US and the European Union.

Hot date for Shiseido as new extract promotes eyelash growth

Hot date for Shiseido as new extract promotes eyelash growth

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Cosmetics manufacturer Shiseido has developed its latest Zizyphus jujuba fruit extract, commonly known as jujube or red date, that has been proven to help eyelashes grow longer through promoting their growth rate.

China SFDA labelling guidelines to come into effect in July

China SFDA labelling guidelines to come into effect in July

By Michelle Yeomans

China’s SFDA has notified the world trade organization that there are two new regulations for cosmetic labeling and product instruction, which are to come into place in the region on the 1st of July 2013.

Korean Consumer Agency finds high mercury levels in cosmetics

Korean Consumer Agency finds high mercury levels in cosmetics

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

At a time when mercury emission in consumer products has gone under the spotlight, a Korean consumer watchdog has highlighted the high levels of the toxic chemical found in some whitening cosmetics imported from China.

Li & Fung acquires cosmetic brand owner Lornamead

Li & Fung acquires cosmetic brand owner Lornamead

By Simon Pitman

Hong Kong-based consumer goods group Li & Fung has acquired Lornamead Acquisitions and its subsidiaries for $190 million, securing a significant portfolio of personal care brands.

Kanebo restructures in a bid to globally expand

Kanebo restructures in a bid to globally expand

By Simon Pitman

Kanebo Cosmetics has recently unveiled a major new business structure and vision that aims to set the company on course for significant global expansion leading up to 2015 as the domestic market continues to remain subdued.

China SFDA updates technical safety cosmetics standard

China SFDA updates technical safety cosmetics standard

By Michelle Yeomans

The State Food and Drug Administration responsible for evaluating the safety and labelling of cosmetics has issued a comment letter on its’ updated Technical Safety Standard (draft 2012) which will replace the regulation of Hygienic Standard for Cosmetics...

Cosmetics sales in China holding their own

Cosmetics sales in China holding their own

By Michelle Yeomans

According to National Bureau of Statistics, retail sales of cosmetics in China are up 16.5 percent for the first 10 months of 2012, amounting to 107.7 yuan ($17.3 billion) compared to the same time last year. 

Shanghai Jahwa to phase out its weaker personal care lines

Shanghai Jahwa to phase out its weaker personal care lines

By Michelle Yeomans

The Chinese cosmetic company has announced it plans to concentrate on three of its 'super-brands' whilst phasing out its' weaker lines, in a bid to focus on its growth potential in the domestic and international markets.

Time to up the ante of sustainability in Asia

Time to up the ante of sustainability in Asia

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The time is now to raise the bar for sustainability in the Asian cosmetics industry in every aspect, say several industry experts who discussed the topic at this year’s Sustainable Cosmetics Summit in Hong Kong.

Symrise to expand perfume production in China

Symrise to expand perfume production in China

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Flavor and fragrance supplier Symrise is planning further expansion of its perfume oil production in China, highlighting the company’s dedication to strengthening its presence in the region.

China takes steps towards first ever non-animal test

China takes steps towards first ever non-animal test

By Andrew MCDOUGALL

The Chinese government are taking steps towards accepting a non-animal test for cosmetics for the first time, after a PETA grant allowed the necessary research to develop a new toxicity test, and the necessary training was carried out in a Beijing university...

Merck expands it's cosmetic pigments network into China

Merck expands it's cosmetic pigments network into China

By Michelle Yeomans

Merck Chemicals has announced the opening of a ‘Pigments & Cosmetics Technology Application Network’ (TANC) in Shanghai in an effort it says, to better meet the growing needs of Chinese consumer.

Falling sales in China hurts Avon Q3 results

Falling sales in China hurts Avon Q3 results

By Simon Pitman

Avon continues to battle through difficult times, with its most recent results significantly impacted by falling sales in the China market, as the company restructures its business model there.

in-cosmetics Asia to open its doors in Bangkok next week

in-cosmetics Asia to open its doors in Bangkok next week

By Simon Pitman

With online registration now closed for the in-cosmetics Asia event in Bangkok next week, final preparations are falling into place for what the organizer promises will be the biggest ever event, and the Cosmetics Design team will be there to cover it.

Henkel Innovation Challenge

Henkel to hold its sixth year innovation challenge in Shanghai

By Michelle Yeomans

The finished goods manufacturer is to hold its annual innovation challenge finals in Shanghai where students from around the world will compete to develop a concept for a sustainability-related product or technology for the brand.