Hot topics: Top 5 beauty and cosmetics stories trending on our socials right now

1 – Plum opportunities: Filipino brand Native Biologique aims to capitalise on domestic skin care surge

Manila-based skin care brand Native Biologique​ is eyeing huge opportunities in the Philippines skin care market, which it believes is poised for rapid growth.

The newcomer was founded by Jolly Morales, who previously spent over eight years in the cosmetics ingredient industry as a distributor before graduating with a Diploma in Cosmetics Brand Management from the Institute of Personal Care Australia.

Native Biologique launched in December 2020 with one brightening vitamin C skin serum made with Kakadu Plum extract.

The company utilises a cellular extraction technique that does not degrade the ingredient during the extraction process.

2 – Layer of defence: Kao confirms fine fibre tech’s protective abilities against pollution and mask irritation

Kao has conducted new research into its fine fibre technology and confirmed its ability to protect the skin​ against pollution and mask irritation.

This unique technology creates an ultra-thin membrane on the skin that is created by spraying the skin with a polymer solution of superfine fibres by using an electrospinning device.

In the latest study by the firm’s Skin Care Research Laboratory, Makeup Research Laboratory and Analytical Science Laboratory, the fine fibre membrane was found to keep particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) from coming into contact with the skin.

By observing the fine fibre membrane of a skin model through an electron microscope, researchers saw that atmospheric pollutants such as pollen, dust, graphite and PM2.5 were retained by the membrane.

3 – China CBD crackdown: Ban on cannabis cosmetics will likely halt sales on CBEC as authorities push ‘anti-drug’ stance

China’s proposal to ban the use of cannabis and cannabis extracts​ in cosmetics will likely affect sales via cross-border e-commerce channels as the authorities double down on ‘anti-drug’ education.

On March 26, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), announced a proposal​ to introduce legislation that would prohibit the use of cannabis and cannabis extracts in cosmetics.

The ban would include raw materials such as cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabis sativa kernel fruit, cannabis sativa seed oil, as well as cannabis sativa leaf.

Chemlinked analyst Hedy He said this news came as a surprise considering how the regulatory landscape around cannabis product has been simplified in various markets over the years.

4 – Family matters: Filipino baby skin care maker to expand business with products for the whole family

Philippine-based personal care company Read The Label, best known for its baby personal care products, is looking to expand its business by developing specialised products for all members of the family.​

The company started out in 2015 with the launch of Sacred Six Newborn Cleanser, a gentle cleanser specially developed for the first six months of a newborn’s life.

“At the time, there were no products specific for the needs of newborns. According to dermatologists, the first six month are the most crucial. We saw a gap in the market for a very simple, very gentle formula without ingredients like fragrances – formulated just for newborns,” ​said RJ Cenzia, co-founder of Read The Label.

The firm spent a year in development of an effective yet simple cleansing formula, adhering to the ingredients ratings by non-profit group, Environmental Working Group (EWG).

5 – ‘Ayurveda advancing’: Indian brand SoulTree poised for nation-wide retail expansion focusing on sustainability

Indian Ayurvedic beauty and wellness brand SoulTree is branching out to launch more physical stores​ in the country, following the unveiling of its inaugural flagship in Gurugram.

In 2020, the brand was bought out by Indian cosmetics manufacturer Lotus Herbals through its acquisition of Vedicare Ayurveda.

This year, SoulTree is on a path of brick-and-mortar retail expansion in bid to connect with what it believes are the new needs and concerns of the modern Indian consumer.

“The Indian beauty consumer has not only evolved but has also become receptive to mindful beauty,”​ said Nitin Passi, managing director, SoulTree