News & Analysis on Cosmetics Innovation
A 12-week clinical study has validated the efficacy of Cacumen Platycladi, a staple of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as a potent and safe ingredient to reduce hair fall and boost hair density
Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant unveiled its new vegan PDRN ingredient, said to biomimic hyaluronic acid (HA)’s benefits while being more cost-effective, at the recent Personal Care and Homecare Ingredients (PCHi) trade show.
A multi-centre study has revealed that a novel serum containing a specific blend of peptides and polyhydroxy acid can significantly improve the appearance of both static and dynamic wrinkles.
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.
We highlight recent developments in the beauty industry across South East Asia, including how Watsons Singapore and Shiseido are addressing evolving consumer demands, as well as the latest research findings in Thailand.
Researchers in Thailand have developed a high-performance moisturising cream using Japanese pumpkin extracts and advanced ultra-micro liquid crystal technology.
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.
Dive into our latest stories on formulation and science, featuring research on peptide-drug conjugate technology as well as various botanical extracts.
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.
This round-up highlights recent developments in the Chinese beauty market, including latest research findings and updates from an upcoming trade event.
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.
From high-profile legal battles in sun care to billion-euro acquisitions and tightening scrutiny of product claims, this month’s top stories reflect a beauty industry balancing growth, innovation and accountability.
Researchers from China and Singapore have developed a novel cosmetic ingredient that merges a collagen-mimicking peptide with caffeic acid, which has shown to significantly outperform traditional anti-ageing peptides.
Researchers in Thailand have developed a biodegradable, dissolvable face mask that uses nanotechnology to tackle hyperpigmentation while eliminating waste associated with traditional sheet masks.
Researchers in Taiwan have discovered that exosome-like vesicles derived from the Phalaenopsis aphrodite orchid, commonly known as “Taiwanese Grandma”, could offer a new natural solution for skin protection and brightening.
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.
Dive into our latest stories on formulation and science, featuring research on new elastosome technology, link between dry skin and systemic lipid imbalance, a postbiotic metabolite’s effect on skin lightening, and more.
We highlight the top 10 stories of January 2026, including Gen Z’s role in driving luxury beauty, Kolmar Korea’s CES wins, K-beauty’s “second coming”, latest scientific findings and more.
Residue from the seed of the Prinsepia utilis Royle plant can be repurposed as a natural stabiliser for green emulsions, say researchers in China.
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.
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.
A recent multi-centre study has revealed that a combination of Polynucleotide High-Purification Technology (PN HPT) and hyaluronic acid significantly improved the appearance of moderate to severe atrophic facial acne scars.
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.
Kao Corporation’s Skin Care Products Research Laboratory has developed a technology to make sweat evaporate more easily and quickly, helping to reduce stickiness and odour.
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.
A study in China has discovered an ingredients blend containing lavender flower extract (Lavandula angustifolia) and dipeptide-4 (LA-DP4) that significantly boosts the skin’s natural production of melatonin.
A new study by L’Oréal Research & Innovation has revealed that hard water fundamentally destabilises the foam structure of common cosmetic cleansing products, dramatically compromising their performance and sensory appeal.
Dive into our latest stories on formulation and science, featuring research on extracts of Centella asiatica and cashew apple, an electrokinetic study on hair conditioner surfactants, rise and barriers of plant-based ingredients, and more.
Scientists in Japan have found a new way to clean up “forever chemicals” that is safer and more energy-efficient than older methods by using tiny particles called zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystals (NCs).
Thai researchers have developed a novel hydrogel patch containing an extract from Curcuma aromatica (CA), a traditional Thai medicinal plant that demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory and anti-acne properties in lab tests.
This round-up highlights recent developments in the Chinese beauty market, including news from Clariant and L Cosmetix, and latest research findings.
A liquid formula combining natural parts from the Centella asiatica plant with growth-boosting proteins can greatly improve hair health in under two months when applied to the scalp, according to new research.
Researchers in Thailand have found that an extract from cashew apple, a typically discarded part of the plant, could be a powerful new ingredient for anti-ageing skin care and wound healing.
A new electrokinetic study compared how four workhorse cationic surfactants deposit on healthy and damaged hair, and confirmed behentrimonium chloride (BTMC) as the strongest performer on both absorption and combability.
A new scientific review has mapped how plant-based ingredients are reshaping cosmetic science, and where evidence and safety still fall short.
Dive into our latest stories on formulation and science, featuring research on extracts of pomegranate peel and dark tea, facial lipid shifts in women, an eco-friendly way to supercharge ferulic acid, as well as Kao’s study on skin sensitivity.
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.
November’s global news roundup includes exciting announcements from the financial sector, intriguing regional industry data analysis, and more.
Lactobacillus plantarum-fermented milk can suppress key skin pathogens while supporting beneficial Staphylococcus epidermidis growth, according to a new study in China.
New Zealand premium skin care brand BIOVOZ has announced a strategic research partnership with the University of Auckland to accelerate the translation of science into groundbreaking anti-ageing innovations.
Pomegranate peel extract enables zinc oxide nanoparticles’ green synthesis with high SPF and antioxidant, anti-pigmentation and antibacterial effects, according to new research in India.
A new study in China has reported that a water extract of dark tea can both slow melanin production and reduce signals that drive post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
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.
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.
This month’s installment of CosmeticsDesigns’ global roundup examines shifting regulatory landscapes, financial news, and breakdowns of industry analysis reporting.
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.
Dive into our latest stories on formulation and science, featuring research on extracts of peony root, ethanolic plum leaf and honeysuckle flower, efficacy of a new-gen Winona cream, and more.