News & Analysis on Cosmetics Innovation
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.
Watsons is actively evolving its health and beauty retail presentation and portfolio to reflect the needs of modern shoppers, with a stronger focus on discovery, experience and convenience.
Shiseido is tackling challenges of the rapidly evolving beauty industry through product innovations and social initiatives that champion inclusivity and hyper-personalisation.
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.
Luxury hair care brand kimrobinson recently introduced a range of products targeting the growing consumer demand for salon-to-home care that work synergistically and prolong the effects of treatments.
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.
Barcelona-headquartered Eurofragance sheds light on key fragrance trends in South East Asia (SEA), on the back of its recently launched Creative Centre in Indonesia.
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.
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.
Cetaphil’s new product range is specifically formulated for pre-ageing sensitive skin, with a focus on supporting natural skin cell renewal.
Kao-owned prestige hair care brand Oribe’s artist-led holiday packaging is inspired by its iconic goddess emblem and bestselling Gold Lust Collection.
Singapore biotech start-up Terra Oleo is embarking on its next phase of developing sustainable and scalable lipid ingredients for applications across industries, including cosmetics, after raising $3.1m.
Filipino conglomerate SM Group is addressing the growing consumer demand for beauty and wellness products through its retail subsidiaries, including Watsons Philippines.
NatureLab Tokyo has launched a leave-in hair mask formulated with milk thistle seed extract, which it claims to be a sustainable and superior alternative to keratin, in Singapore.
3CE says that it is democratising South Korea’s popular personal colour trend through its AI-powered tool newly introduced on Shopee, a platform that is driving its growth in South East Asia.
A new study in Thailand has named a specific ethanolic plum leaf extract as a potentially stable, safe antioxidant for use in topical creams to soothe skin irritation.
Singapore’s EVERSOFT has launched its first new shampoo range in five years, which it says is a key area of focus for the brand’s portfolio expansion plans.
Honeysuckle flower (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) extract, formulated into low-energy nanoemulsions with polyglycerol fatty acid esters, offers a sustainable and effective platform for skin health applications, according to new research from Thailand.
Chinese retail giant MINISO is building an IP ecosystem through a dual-strategy to meet the increasing demand for interest-driven consumption.
Consumers are increasingly seeking integrative experiences that offer both tangible results and emotional relief, opening up opportunities for hybrid beauty concepts.
Singapore fragrance brand Scent Journer strives to address both the needs of customers who prefer refined, wearable scents and the continued popularity of gourmand notes.
Researchers in Thailand have made a breakthrough in developing a plant-based skin care ingredient that shows strong potential in anti-ageing formulations.
A new study conducted by researchers at Burapha University in Thailand has found that an extract from mangosteen peel may offer significant protection against skin ageing caused by UVA radiation.
Cosmax’s growth strategy for South East Asia includes three main axes of broadening sales channels, strengthening market penetration, and expanding business areas, with localisation playing a major role in each.
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Sephora is strengthening its prestige beauty offerings in Asia-Pacific with the launch of Haus Labs by Lady Gaga in South East Asia, Oceania, and Hong Kong.
K-beauty brand KraveBeauty has released an improved version of its “cult-favourite” sunscreen in South East Asia (SEA) and the UK, which it claims to offer higher sun protection and more seamless application.
Malaysian skin care brand FaceAnne has recently debuted in the local market with products that cater specifically to the needs of Malaysian consumers, including formulations with a cooling effect for the hot climate.
Luxury skin care brand SkinCeuticals recently debuted in Singapore’s travel retail scene via The Shilla Duty Free, through which it aims to address the evolving needs of modern travellers.
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Luxury-minded Gen Z are embracing fine fragrances as a “value-for-money” investment, fuelling a surge in South East Asia’s perfume sales.
Viral collagen deodorant brand Blunies says leading innovation drive is imperative to capturing opportunities in the under tapped category.
Shopee Korea experienced significant growth in 2024, fuelled by strong demand for K-beauty and the expansion into key South East Asian markets.
Neopharm is seeking to boost its South East Asia presence by introducing its Derma:B skin care line into Indonesia and expanding its retail footprint in Malaysia.
Researchers from Thailand combine nanoniosomes and microspicules to effectively deliver deer placenta extract directly to hair follicles, promoting hair regrowth.
A Singapore-based company specialising in pre-, pro-, and postbiotics supplement has added fermented food and mouthwash to its range, as it attempts to provide “complete protection” for the entire gastrointestinal tract.
Fragrance company Scent by SIX is marking its 8th anniversary amid a wave of economic uncertainties, with founder Jason Lee focused on building resilience for future growth.
Crystal Tomato, best known for its skin whitening supplements, has secured a deal with Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant for an exclusive ingredient.
K-beauty retailer Ksisters has launched a new hair product under its Jung Beauty brand alongside the opening of its first retail store in Singapore, amid evolving but persistent popularity of Korean cosmetic innovations.
L’Oréal is embracing open innovation to fuel consumer-driven beauty tech with the first Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program held in the region.
South Korean beauty tech firm APR Corp aims to build on its promising sales performances in Japan and China, while broadening overseas sales channels for new products.
Beauty retailer Sa Sa’s latest quarterly highlights major challenges in key markets Hong Kong and Macau such as reduced local consumption and increased outbound travel.
Kosé-owned Carté HD has made its debut in Singapore and has plans to launch in Thailand next year as part of overall global expansion plans.
Singapore beauty brand Skincalories is partnering with music labels to produce 10 original tracks it believes will amplify its brand as it gears up for expansion plans in 2025.
US-based KraveBeauty is looking to extend the application of its waste-minimising “egg packaging” and to introduce refills for popular products, while expanding its offerings for the Singapore market.
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RNAscence Biotechnology says its RNA patch technology can broaden its impact beyond scar treatment to tackle a variety of skin issues from eczema to hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.
Ultra-luxury brand Helena Rubinstein has made its Singapore debut with a flagship boutique and has plans to expand further across the region.
Mulberry silk label SOVA is concentrating efforts on developing serum-infused textiles that can provide skin care benefits while enhancing sleep quality