Skin care

Candy crush: White Rabbit milk-flavoured lip balm to be launched in China

25-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

Cosmetics firm Maxam will be releasing a lip balm in the flavour of the classic White Rabbit candy in China on October 20.

Coming soon on Tmall: Boots makes first move into China

25-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

No.7, Soap & Glory and more will soon be available to Chinese consumers as Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) and the Alibaba Group unveiled the official flagship of Boots on cross-border e-commerce platform Tmall Global.

Editor's Spotlight

The big business of natural beauty ingredients

24-Sep-2018 By Deanna Utroske

Acquisitions and launches in the natural cosmetics and personal care ingredients space have been coming along pretty steadily for the past year or so now—evidence that the natural beauty is no longer restricted to the fringes of the industry. Here, Cosmetics...

Shiseido capitalises on strong travel-retail to promote its 24-hr Defense Mist Duo

24-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

Shiseido has relaunched its limited-edition, traveller-exclusive 24-hr Defense Mist Duo in pop-ups across Japan’s travel-retail outposts - using its #StrongSouls campaign as a platform.

Australian G&M Cosmetics continues SEA expansion with Malaysia move

24-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

Australian cosmetic manufacturer G&M Cosmetics is expanding into Malaysia with its Australian Creams MKII range following strong demand in the region.

Cosmetics among Trump’s finalised list of Chinese goods affected by additional US tariffs

24-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

Cosmetic-related items were among the Trump administration’s finalised list of $200bn worth of imports subjected to an additional 10% tariffs effective September 24, which will be increased to 25% by the start of next year.

Ginseng serum the star of the show at Sulwhasoo’s celebrity-packed Asia launch

21-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

Luxury Korean brand Sulwhasoo hosts a star-studded event in Hong Kong ahead of the Asian launch of its Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum.

in-cosmetics Latin America 2018, in photos

19-Sep-2018 By Simon Pitman

The Cosmetics Design team was at the in-cosmetics Latin America 2018 event in Sao Paulo, Brazil this week, and in this photo gallery we bring you some of the highlights, including the most important and interesting ingredients and new technology to be...

Natural & Organic Labelling Special Edition

The rise and rise of vegan claims for cosmetics

19-Sep-2018 By Simon Pitman

Cosmetic and personal care carrying vegan claims are definitely on trend these days, highlighted by a daily deluge of new product launches carrying animal-friendly labels, worldwide.

Are free-from products creating harm or safety?

19-Sep-2018 By Natasha Spencer

Free-from claims are designed to provide reassurance to safety and health-conscious consumers, which, in turn, help build trust and confidence in their purchasing decisions. But are they proving successful? Or is the real harm in the nature of these free-from...

Korean outfit Biopolytech targets SEA expansion with two cosmetic brands

19-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

South Korean-based manufacturer Biopolytech plans to launch SKINUA and Angel Bebe in Vietnam and Indonesia in bid to expand into South East Asia.

Smaller Korean cosmetic firms receive local support in US endeavours

19-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (KCNA) and Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) will sponsor K-beauty fairs in New York and Florida in order to help smaller South Korean cosmetic companies to penetrate the lucrative US beauty...

So what was BASF doing at Cosmoprof North America?

18-Sep-2018 By Simon Pitman

The Cosmetics Design team caught up with Ido Kadman, Marketing Communications Manager at BASF Care Chemicals, to find out what the company was doing at Cosmoprof North America, one of the industry's biggest events, but also one that is very much...

Unilever-owned AHC sees Tmall spike after officially launching in China

18-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

South Korea’s leading skin care brand Aesthetic Hydration Cosmetic (AHC) has made its way into China and will now be available on e-commerce platforms and through local health and beauty stores across the country.

Could North Korean cosmetics soon be available to global consumers?

18-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

Beauty products from North Korea may soon be available globally as leader Kim Jong Un again highlighting the potential of the country’s cosmetics sector.

How to eradicate fake makeup trade: Environmental group makes its case

18-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

As the makeup black market continues to thrive in the Philippines, the EcoWaste Coalition believes that the only way to tackle the problem is with hard ball methods such as stricter border control, tougher sanctions and punishments that match the crime.

Cosmoprof North America

Why the big cosmetics buzz is all about CBD oil

17-Sep-2018 By Simon Pitman

The recent Cosmoprof North America event was the platform for a packed presentation about cannabis in cosmetics. Cosmetics Design caught up with one of the panelists to find out what all the excitement is about.

in-cosmetics Asia to highlight the importance of hydration for flawless skin

16-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

This year, in-cosmetics Asia is placing the spotlight on hydration to help cosmetic manufacturers tap into the growing Asian aspiration of achieving glass-like, cloudless skin.

China’s new laws will hold e-commerce platforms responsible for counterfeit cosmetics

16-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

China has introduced new legislation that will hold online platforms such as Alibaba and JD.com accountable for fake goods sold by third parties on their websites, in a bid to curb the spread of counterfeits and strengthened their IP protection.

Fragrances in beauty and personal care: market overview

14-Sep-2018 By Lucy Whitehouse

We take a look at where the opportunities and challenges lie for the fragrance market when it comes to the beauty and personal care industry.

Lancôme and Kate Winslet launch literacy programme

12-Sep-2018 By Lucy Whitehouse

Actor Kate Winslet is the face of a new UK partnership between Lancome and The National Literacy Trust, promoting literacy skills for disadvantaged women.

Mask marketing: How facial mask creators are tapping into target audience demands

12-Sep-2018 By Natasha Spencer

Teens, natural and organic stories, dry masks  — all are dominating the burgeoning global facial mask skin care segment. But how can marketers embrace ingredient sourcing, innovative product launches and engaging social media strategies to communicate...

CD Buzz Video

Wellness Simplified: Cosmetics Design talks with Tonik founder Pip Summerville

12-Sep-2018 By Deanna Utroske

A fair number of brands exhibiting at this year’s Indie Beauty Expo in New York City were dedicated to wellness. One such brand, Australia-based Tonik makes single-ingredient supplements. Cosmetics Design spoke with Tonik founder Pip Summerville at IBE...

Shiseido taps Zhang Ziyi as global brand ambassador for Clé de Peau in China push

12-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

The Shiseido Group has named Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi as the latest global brand ambassador for Clé de Peau Beauté, in bid to capture the Chinese market.

Cosmetics hit as Indonesia sets higher import taxes on more than 1,000 products

12-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

Cosmetics and personal care items will face a raise from 2.5% to 10% in Indonesian import taxes as the government goes on the defensive to support its weakening currency.

Unilever simplifies its business structure

11-Sep-2018 By Lucy Whitehouse

Unilever has announced the how it intends to carry out its planned transformation into a ‘simpler, more agile and more focused business’.

Sephora to launch first Asian concept store in Shanghai

11-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

Sephora has announced plans to open the first Asian concept store in Shanghai, while unveiling a new campaign and WeChat social retail channel.

Symrise releases sustainable version of multi-functional ingredient Hydrolite 5

11-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

Symrise is releasing a naturally derived version of its skin hydration product Hydrolite 5 that is made of by-product of sugar production, on the back of rising demand for natural and sustainable products.

Trends Watch: global cosmetics and personal care ingredients

10-Sep-2018 By Deanna Utroske

4 ingredient sourcing strategies are rising to the top, as consumer demand for plant-derived, natural, and bio-based beauty continues.

China tariffs on cosmetics: Estée Lauder Cos mindful but confident impact will be minimal

10-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

Estée Lauder Cos will be able to absorb the impact of worsening trade terms between US and China because of the company’s high growth margins and investments in capacity, according to executive vice president and CFO Tracey T. Travis.

India’s Colorbar Cosmetics undergoes revamp ahead of global expansion plans

06-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

From packaging to logo design, home-grown Indian beauty brand Colorbar Cosmetics is changing its look in order to expand overseas and compete with global players in the market.

California sets a precedent in the US with animal testing ban

05-Sep-2018 By Simon Pitman

The California State legislative has approved The California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act with a stunning 80-0 vote that will make the state the first in the US to implement such a law.

Electric Ink Tattoo Care launches in South Korea despite controversy

05-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

Electric Ink is entering the South Korea market - despite the country’s complicated history with tattoos.

All-natural halal beauty brand Al-Hur Beauty launches in Malaysia

05-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

UAE beauty brand Al-Hur Beauty has launched in Malaysia, pledging to offer Muslim consumers safe and reliable all-natural cosmetics that meet the international standards for halal certification.

Beckham to Chanel: Male grooming products making headway in Asia

05-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

From Korea to India, cosmetic companies are rushing to be one of the first to tap into the fast-growing male-grooming market in Asia, with western brands like Chanel using Asia as a launch pad for male-centric beauty products.

Evonik focuses on short cycle times in Korea and China

04-Sep-2018 By Natasha Spencer

Speciality chemicals name, Evonik, on how it hones its diverse product collection for the nature-focused and fast-paced Korean and Chinese consumer demands.

Exclusive Interview

Microalgae targets oily and sensitive skin

04-Sep-2018 By Natasha Spencer

As active ingredients and raw materials form a strong presence in Korean cosmetics, we look at how they are answering oily and sensitive skin care needs.

Sustainability in beauty: top future predictions from industry expert

04-Sep-2018 By Lucy Whitehouse

Here, we get an expert’s perspective on how the demand for sustainability and the industry’s response are likely to evolve in the coming period.

Lush Korea: “Water Deer” video not meant to be misogynistic

04-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

Lush Korea believes its loyal customer base will continue to support the brand despite a wave a recent bad press, which led to the firm being branded ‘misogynistic’.

China’s FDA recalls skin care product by Shiseido-backed manufacturer

04-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

China’s Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) ordered the recall of a skin care product over concerns that it looked too much like a beverage and could potentially confuse and harm consumers, especially children.

Why is China dominating the APAC cosmetics space?

03-Sep-2018 By Natasha Spencer

China is the biggest cosmetics market in Asia-Pacific and second to the US as the dominating global power nation for all things beauty and personal care.

Aussie department store wars: Myer now exclusive retailer of Aesop

03-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

Myer has announced an agreement with Aesop to become its exclusive department store retailer, a week after competitor David Jones swiped a few brands from its portfolio.

Research team discovers skin-whitening properties of black ginseng

03-Sep-2018 By Amanda Lim

A traditional food research team’s discovery of black ginseng’s skin-whitening abilities could increase exports in an improving Korean market.

Formulation innovations from around the globe

03-Sep-2018 By Lucy Whitehouse

In this first edition of our new Editor's Spotlight specials, we cast our eye to the hottest new launches and innovations in beauty and personal care formulation across the globe.

What’s the relationship between our biological clocks and skin condition?

29-Aug-2018 By Natasha Spencer

Speaking with Ichimaru Pharcos’ Arunasiri Iddamalgoda, we explore how the clock gene is influencing cosmetic formulations.

Mibelle Group targets Asia expansion with acquisition of Gowoonsesang

29-Aug-2018 By Amanda Lim

Swiss private label manufacturers Mibelle Group is targeting expansion in the Asian market following the acquisition of Gowoonsesang, the developer of popular Korean derma-cosmetic brand Dr. G.

Japan’s @cosme store to open first South East Asian outlet in Bangkok

29-Aug-2018 By Amanda Lim

Thai consumers will soon be able to get their hands on previously unavailable Japanese cosmetics after iStyle Inc. partnered with Siam Piwat Group to launch an @cosme store in Bangkok, which will be the first in South East Asia

Estée Lauder cosmetics sales cross US one billion dollar mark in China

28-Aug-2018 By Amanda Lim

Estée Lauder Cos. sales in China reach a billion dollars for the first time, contributing to the 29% growth in Asia-Pacific and boosting the company to reach $13.7bn in sales, a 16% increase from 2017.

Lancer Skincare enters Asia with Luxasia partnership

28-Aug-2018 By Amanda Lim

Singapore-based Luxasia inks a deal with Hollywood favourite Lancer Skincare to distribute the luxury line across Asia-Pacific and help the brand grow its international presence.

Natural and Organic Products Asia 2018 showcases organic European skin care

27-Aug-2018 By Natasha Spencer

For the first time, Natural & Organic Products Asia will display organic European skin care along with demonstrating leading products and conducting business seminars.