Skin care

Researchers provide clinical evidence of collagen peptides as anti-ageing nutricosmetic

27-Jan-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

A team of researchers has shown the efficacy of specific collagen peptides to improve skin moisture and, for the first time, to prevent and reduce the fragmentation of the dermal collagen network, thus counteracting one of the hallmarks of skin ageing.

Seoul Secret Thailand offers public apology for ‘racist ad’

26-Jan-2016 By Simon Pitman

Seoul Secret, a Thai beauty brand whose recent 'White makes you win' advert caused worldwide controversy, has now offered a public apology.

Korean beauty still popular with China as 'next generation' brands emerge

26-Jan-2016 By Simon Pitman

Early sales figures from the new Shilla iPark online duty-free store confirm Chinese customers still place Korean beauty brands firmly among their favourites.

Korean beauty brands increasingly offering the interactive retail experience

26-Jan-2016 By Simon Pitman

Korean beauty brands are maximising the opportunities offered by interactive retail, according to a recent report by the Korea Herald.

How the shrewdest cosmetics and personal care brands engage consumers and attract investors

25-Jan-2016 By Deanna Utroske

A CEW Business Insider event in New York City last week explored the connection between indie brand strategy, consumer expectations, and M&A activity in the beauty business. 

Could music affect your skin care experience? Shiseido thinks so…

21-Jan-2016 By Andrew MCDOUGALL

Shiseido has sought to make skin care techniques and treatments ‘even more enjoyable and beautiful’ by developing Omotenashi Sound, aesthetic music software that enhances the power of touching the skin, in what the firm calls ‘acoustic beauty care.’

Japanese beauty brands increasing LGBT support

20-Jan-2016 By Lucy Whitehouse

Lush Japan and Shiseido are two Japanese beauty brands getting behind a growing movement among corporations in the county to display support for LGBT minorities.

Biggest ever Cosme Tokyo event opens its doors tomorrow

19-Jan-2016 By Simon Pitman

The Cosme Tokyo event will be opening its doors tomorrow for three days, offering industry professionals a one-stop shop for the entire beauty chain.

Luxury cosmetics consumption to sky rocket in India despite economic slowdown

13-Jan-2016

According to recent research by Assocham, with thanks to high internet penetration across tier-II and tier-III cities, luxury consumption is expected to grow by 30-35 per cent over the next three years.

China's male skin care market continues to bring big opps in 2016

05-Jan-2016

As we venture into 2016, international beauty brands are reminded that China's male facial skin care market holds vast opportunity as the younger generation steps up its online shopping behaviors and is willing to spend time and money on daily skin...

Editor’s picks: the top articles of 2015

24-Dec-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

As we bid farewell to 2015, Cosmetics Design takes stock of the most topical beauty news in the Asia Pacific region which includes: Shiseido's advances in hair loss, Thailand heralded as ASEAN's gateway, animal testing developments in New Zealand...

All you need to know about Asia's cosmetics business movements in 2015

23-Dec-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Despite the holiday season having descended upon us at a rapid rate, there’s yet to be a slowdown from the cosmetics industry in Asia Pacific. Here, Cosmetics Design reminds our readers of this year's biggest business developments…

Brush up on Asia's major trends before the New Year rings in!

22-Dec-2015

What a jam packed year 2015 has been for the industry! Cosmetics Design has been on the road taking note of the latest innovations and discussing the key issues cosmetics makers are facing in Asia.  Here, we’ve condensed all the best bits here for you...

Online data disrupts how consumers buy cosmetics in Singapore

17-Dec-2015 By Deanna Utroske

Today, shoppers in Singapore gather product information online and make decisions based on data, a shift in consumer behavior that means its time to rethink packaging, shelf display, ingredient discloser and more.

Marine extracts in 'Beauty From Within' inspired by Japanese quest for youthful skin

17-Dec-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Australian company, Vida Glow has developed a natural marine supplement to help stimulate the body’s natural supply of collagen based on Japanese traditions of using the ingredient to achieve radiant skin.

A new era of industrial competitiveness hits South Korea thanks to a step-up in innovation

15-Dec-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Innovative R&D capabilities and tech savvy cosmetics brands have boosted South Korea's reputation around the globe which has ushered in a new era of industrial competitiveness for the country.

Lab 'NERD' receives $1M funding from Taiwan ministry for microbiome research

10-Dec-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

The self-confessed team of geeks at 'NERD skin care' have received $1M in funding from Taiwan's Ministry of Science and Technology to further research microbes in the quest to create "21st-Century beauty products". 

Asia in Focus

Natural cosmetics have never been so hot in Asia, says trend expert

09-Dec-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Rising concerns around 'chemical pollution' coupled with an ancestral interest in traditional medicine has seen demand for holistic based or natural cosmetics - a segment that continues to go from strength to strength this year in Asia.

Teijin Frontier introduces 'industry first' moisturizing clothing range

08-Dec-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Japanese chemical company, Teijin Frontier has developed what it claims to be the 'first' wearable cosmetic range of women’s undergarments which contains malic acid to help retain skin moisture.

PayPal finds Japanese consumers are least likely to buy from international online merchants

02-Dec-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

New global research from PayPal reveals that despite cosmetics cross-border shopping being the most popular in Asia-Pacific, Japanese consumers were found to be least likely to shop online from non-domestic merchants.

Mintel reveals water to be the 'new luxury' in futuristic environmental formulations

02-Dec-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

According to market researcher, Mintel natural ingredients will drive beauty innovation over the next decade as beauty manufacturers work on new generations of products that will satisfy consumers needs for speed and efficacy.

China tops Kline’s chart for global beauty device innovation

01-Dec-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

The beauty technology segment has been picking up some speed of late and market analyst Kline confirms that creative and price-accessible devices from China have contributed to its record-breaking growth of nearly 15% globally.

Kadalys looks to conquer Asia with 'first' line of banana tree infused anti-ageing products

25-Nov-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Kadalys of France is seeking success in Asia as it claims to be the first natural cosmetic brand to incorporate French banana tree anti-oxidants in anti-ageing treatments.

"Just because you’re good at printing plastic does not mean you can print cells," warns expert on 3D bioprinting

25-Nov-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

With 3D Bioprinting promising great future advances, cosmetics companies are exploring its potential for skin care applications. However, Arnold Bos at Lux Research calls for caution as printing cells is not as predictable as packaging...

Korea's 'industry first' herbal steamer changes the game by restoring the skin while shaving

24-Nov-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

BAE Intelligence has created the 'T-mer' device to replace water, foam or gel in the shaving routine as the steamer infused with ingredients of an individual's choice, restores skin health by delivering tiny particles of nutrients beneath...

P&G research on Malassezia opens the door to microbially-mediated skin disease treatments

19-Nov-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

P&G's work with an international team of scientists on a full genomic sequencing of all 14 species of the Malassezia genus has paved the way for new treatments for microbially-mediated skin diseases.

Yamato Holdings introduces next-day cosmetics shipping access to major Asian cities

19-Nov-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Japan's Yamato Holdings has opened a logistics center in Okinawa that will offer cosmetics makers next-day shipping access to major Asian cities.

Dixie to bring 'marijuana infused' personal care to Australia

19-Nov-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Following Australia's announcement that it will allow 'safe access' to medicinal cannabis for suffering patients for the first time, US based Dixie is on track to introduce its marijuana infused cosmetics range to the country in 2016.

Coptis cosmetic R&D software sees surge in demand from Asia’s labs

18-Nov-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

The rise of software that helps cosmetics developers to check the efficacy and safety of ingredients in a more accessible way is seeing Coptis gain traction in Asia as formulators on the region strive to adhere to global regulatory compliance.

'Anti-ageing developments in 2015'

Anti-ageing ingredients and treatments: what’s the latest in beauty?

12-Nov-2015 By Lucy Whitehouse

From sea anemones to snail slime, copper to stem cells, innovation within anti-ageing is progressing at a fierce rate, as the sector attempts to keep on top of the huge growth potential offered by baby boomers, now reaching their fifties and sixties in...

Dispatches from Bangkok

Multi-functional in 2015 is about 'new formulations based on existing materials', says expert

10-Nov-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Multi-functional materials are revolutionizing the cosmetics industry - not just for consumers, but also at production level. Cosmetics Design discussed the evolving segment with the director of the Institute of Personal Care Science, Belinda Carli.

Halal cosmetics market going from strength to strength

10-Nov-2015 By Lucy Whitehouse

With a new market report having just been published by QY Research detailing the ongoing rise of the halal cosmetics, Cosmetics Design runs through all the recent key developments within the ever-strengthening sector.

Asian demand for curcumin in cosmetics to drive market growth

05-Nov-2015 By Lucy Whitehouse

Curcumin, derived from turmeric, is participating in the ongoing growth for the beauty and personal care market in the Asia Pacific region, a new report by Transparency Market Research has revealed. 

Dispatches from Bangkok

K-beauty textures, mood changing fragrances and interactive packaging lead multi-sensory experience

05-Nov-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

The emergence of multi-sensory experiences in the beauty market connects the product to the consumer in an increasingly engaging way. According to Mintel; Korea's unusual textures, mood changing fragrances and interactive packaging are major attractions...

Dispatches from Bangkok

Not at in-cosmetics Asia? Here's what you missed from our talk on 'SPF v UVA' for ethnic skin..

04-Nov-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

In a packed room of industry professionals on day one of in-cosmetics Asia, Cosmetics Design challenged the myth that SPF based products are the best protection for Asian skin. The talk also included an update on innovation and educational campaigns in...

It's here! in-cosmetics Asia rolls out the green carpet for cosmetics professionals

03-Nov-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

The 2015 edition of in-cosmetics Asia has opened its doors to global ingredients suppliers as they aim to do business with buyers, manufacturers, formulators, scientists and marketing professionals from across Asia. 

Estée Lauder takes a stake in Korea's 'Dr. Jart+' to compete with K-beauty demand

29-Oct-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

After last year's announcement that it will 'embrace South Korea's trends and technology' in order to compete, Estée Lauder has taken a stake in its first Korean brand - 'Have & Be', the owner of 'Dr. Jart+'...

Kao teams up with Alibaba to reach China's online shoppers

28-Oct-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Beauty brand, Kao has partnered with e-tailer Alibaba in an effort to expand its popularity beyond Japan, by launching a cross border e-commerce site on Tmall Global for Chinese consumers.

Japan’s airports consider 'downtown stores' to compete on tax free shopping

27-Oct-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Japan’s airport corporations are considering opening downtown duty free stores after facing some serious competition from retailers offering tourists tax free shopping around the country.

L’Oréal expands Dermacenter concept in Asia

22-Oct-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

As it looks to capitalize on its ‘sixth continent’, L’Oréal is expanding its Dermacenter concept in travel-retail Asia, which features in store services like a 'Healthy Skin Check-Up' - a tool that can diagnose personalized skin care treatments on...

Scientific workshop gives update on metabolomics progress in beauty

21-Oct-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Scientists at Osaka University Japan and Thai University have held a workshop on the latest cutting edge metabolomics which give insight into the skin's biology and advances R&D across industries like cosmetics.

A new dawn in Asia Pacific coverage: Cosmetics Design launches Mandarin version!

20-Oct-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

On October 21st, Cosmetics Design Asia will extend its coverage of the cosmetics and personal care industry on the Asia Pacific region with a Mandarin version that caters to the 800 million speakers around the globe with updates on the industry's...

Skin care formulators utilize starfish's regeneration properties

20-Oct-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

South Korea's skin care formulators have found a way to transfer the starfish's ability to regenerate lost arms and sometimes even a new body, into creams that moisturize and boost collagen.

New e-tailer on the block, Hermo promises to source 'hard to find' international brands

20-Oct-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Malaysian cosmetics startup, Hermo has raised US$2 million in funding to back its ambitions to break into new markets with a service that promises to simplify sourcing international brands for online shoppers.

Entrepreneur works with Filipino farmers to bring coconut oil to Japan's beauty aisles

15-Oct-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

To support the Philippines - the world’s largest coconut oil producing country, Cocowell Corp is putting its money where its mouth is by re-investing revenue made from exports to Japan, in seedlings and fertilizer for Filipino villages.

LG develops store concept around new natural/organic brand, Tomaru

14-Oct-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

LG Household & Health Care has opened a 'multi-brand' cosmetics shop in western Seoul, dubbed the 'Beauty Tomaru Station' due to its strong focus on the company's new organic/natural brand, Tomaru. 

AEC formation to boost Thai cosmetics popularity in South East Asia

14-Oct-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Thailand's cosmetics, reported to have already gained popularity in Vietnam due to their high quality at low prices, will see more opportunity to expand in Southeast Asia, thanks to the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community at the end of the...

CIRS summit to give update on chemical regulations in Asia

13-Oct-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

To help the industry get to grips with the latest personal care policies, CIRS is holding a summit on chemical regulatory updates in China, Korea, Japan, Europe, Australia, North America, Thailand and Taiwan.

Mooo've over snail slime! Cow urine is the latest skin care phenomenon

08-Oct-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Non-government organisation, Vishwa Hindu Parishad has opted for an unusual ingredient in its line of beauty products - cow dung and gau mutra (cow urine) which has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicines.

AmorePacific looks beyond Asia for business growth

07-Oct-2015 By Michelle Yeomans

Cosmetics giant AmorePacific is looking to expand its business beyond Asia in new regions like the Middle East and Latin America with five of its popular brands - Sulwhasoo, Laneige, Mamonde, Innisfree and Etude House.