What’s trending: The most-read stories on APAC beauty market and consumer insights

Shiseido acquisition of Dr. Dennis Gross enables it tap into ‘medicalisation’ of beauty​

Shiseido’s decision to add cosmeceutical brand Dr. Dennis Gross to its portfolio could have been influenced by the increasing ‘medicalisation’ of beauty, says one analyst.

According to Mintel, the medicalisation of beauty refers to the increasing demand for proof behind claims and creating value through ingredient-led products.

This has resulted in an emphasis on the quality of ingredients and proven efficacy of products while using technology to simplify routines.

Why TikTok is the go-to space for navigating the saturated beauty market​​

Social media platform TikTok’s dynamic landscape is helping beauty brands discover and capitalise on microtrends while connecting with niche audiences on a global level, says one beauty manufacturer.

Speaking to CosmeticsDesign-Asia​, Patrick Leung, vice president of Global Cosmetics Group, described how TikTok has revolutionised the beauty industry.

He noted that its rapid-paced environment has accelerated the trend cycle, which has given rise to an abundance of never-ending new microtrends.

Laneige brings ‘skinclusivity’ to best-selling Water Bank range​

K-beauty brand Laneige has launched three new versions of its best-selling Water Bank cream, with the firm hoping it will make the range more inclusive.

They were developed with the aim of providing consumers more options that can meet their unique skin needs and concerns.

A brand official told CosmeticsDesign-Asia​ that Laneige’s goal was to bring “skinclusivity” to its popular range to address the skin concerns of all consumers regardless of race or gender.

New fragrance formats driven by sustainability, product performance​

Expectations for sustainable, ethical, and innovative products are driving development of new fragrance formats that not only align with these values, but also provide enhanced product experiences.
These evolving expectations were driven in particular by younger consumers, especially Generation Z.

“Globally I think there’s a philosophical shift occurring as people reframe their relationship with nature and consumption. Gen Z, in particular, are setting the pace, demanding ethical and sustainable natural ingredients, and taking a stand against plastic waste,”​ said Guy Vincent, CEO of Australian firm Dutjahn Sandalwood Oils.

Stem cell skin care firm eyes Asia expansion amid rising interest in health, regenerative medicine​

A US-based skin care firm using ‘ethically derived’ human stem cells for skin cells is targeting expansion in Asia after its Middle East move ‘exceeded expectations’.
Speaking to CosmeticsDesign-Asia​, founder and CEO John Aylworth said the company’s move into the Middle East has been a “resounding success​” so far.

“It totally exceeded my expectations. We are inspired by our early successes in the Middle East.​ We speculated that based on our successes in the Middle East, could try our hand with distribution in Asia.”​