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

1 – China CBD ban: Retailers ‘encouraged’ to pull products off shelves as regulators formally ban use in cosmetics​

Retailers in China are being advised to pull any cannabis-based cosmetics​ off the shelves after China’s drug regulator formally banned the use of cannabis compounds in cosmetics.

The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) recently published the finalised list of prohibited ingredients for cosmetics.

Among the 24 newly prohibited ingredients were cannabidiol (CBD), cannabis sativa fruit, cannabis sativa seed oil and cannabis sativa leaf extract. This formalises a draft proposed in March​ to ban cannabis-based cosmetics in China.

The NMPA stated that cosmetic companies were not allowed to produce or import products containing prohibited ingredients stipulated in the new inventories from May 28.

2 – ‘Drive for success’: British luxury brand ELEMIS bets on omnichannel strategy to secure bright future in APAC

UK luxury brand ELEMIS is making another ‘digital-first' debut into Singapore and Malaysia as it builds up its omnichannel retail strategy​ to pursue its goal of becoming the top British premium skin care brand in the world.

Founded in 1990, ELEMIS is a prestige skin care brand often found in luxury spas and hotels across the world. In January 2019, the high-end brand was acquired by French beauty manufacturer and retailer L'Occitane Group for $900m.

The brand has been expanding its global footprint, aiming to tap into the new beauty concerns growing from the changing lifestyles and stresses today.

“We have always believed that wellness is a huge component of one’s lifestyle and other brands are finally catching on to this idea. We have been championing the idea of skin wellness before it became a hashtag through our use of natural ingredients, luxurious textures and layering rituals,” ​said Marc Gallagher, chief brand and digital officer.

3 – ‘Beauty for all travellers’: Valentino Beauty among new brands L’Oréal will be launching in Hainan to drive growth

Valentino Beauty will be among the new brands that L’Oréal’s will debut​ in Hainan, China, as it continues to invest into the lucrative holiday destination.

Despite global tourism woes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, growth of L’Oréal’s travel retail division has been positive, largely due to its performance in APAC – especially in Hainan.

“The foundation for beauty consumption is solid in Travel Retail China, and we are experiencing strong dynamic in all three categories – skin care, makeup, and fragrances,” ​said Emmanuel Goulin, Managing Director at L’Oréal Travel Retail Asia Pacific.

Among the three categories, the firm said the demand for skin care continues to be a driving force in terms of growth.

4 – Digital transformation: Kao Corp pumps $136m into digital as it seeks to offset cosmetics sales slump

Kao is investing $136m on its digital transformation to enhance the competitiveness of its cosmetics​ division, which has experienced a sales slump during the pandemic.

With digital tools, the company hopes to be able to enhance its value proposition and user experience.

“A good example of this approach is KATE LIP MONSTER, a lipstick launched in April​,” said President and CEO Yoshihiro Hasebe during a CEO meeting.

“By effectively communicating its features, of not discolouring easily even when a face mask is worn and long-lasting moisture by using digital marketing, we succeeded in gaining its recognition and support among consumers. As a result, the product gained a high market share.”​

5 – Bring your own water: HK firm develops soluble skin care tablets that pack a punch with prebiotic ingredients

Upcoming beauty brand MONO Skincare has developed a range of microbiome-friendly skin care​ tablets that are activated by dissolving them in room-temperature water.

The brand is currently in its pre-launch stage and offers seven products, including a facial serum and moisturiser, as well as a deodorant.

The minimalist brand focuses on the skin microbiome preserving skin biodiversity. The formulations contain prebiotics to support the skin microbiota, such as preBIULIN AGA.

The company claims that this ingredient hydrates 50% faster, 20% more intensively and 70% longer compared to hyaluronic acid.