Brand story: L’Oréal, LG H&H and Shiseido feature in our latest big brand update

1 – Zero-waste hero: Four LG H&H brands launch solid personal care products to boost eco-credentials​

South Korean conglomerate LG Household and Health Care has launched zero-waste beauty options​ from four of its brands – Dr. Groot, Elastine, Veilment, and Himalayan Pink Salt.

By developing solid products LG Household & Health Care (LG H&H) said it could reduce its reliance on plastic packaging.

For instance, its beauty bars are packaged in paper while the powdered toothpaste is packaged in a metal jar.

Furthermore, the solid format would help to reduce water consumption, transportation costs and packaging.​

2 – L’Oréal exclusive: Why beauty’s online boom is far from plateauing in South Asia Pacific

Beauty multinational L’Oréal says there is huge room for growth across its SAPMENA region​ with emerging demographics and online selling channels poised to take off.

Despite the massive growth it has seen the South Asia Pacific, Middle East, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa (SAPMENA) region, L’Oreal said there was still huge room for growth.

This was attributed to the rise of several demographics, including the youth, the middle class and women newly entering the workforce.

Contrary to popular belief, the firm believes there’s still room for e-commerce improvement in the developed cities in the region, like Singapore.

3 – Anessa set to introduce sunscreen serum in response to changing lifestyles

Shiseido’s Anessa is introducing a sunscreen serum​ to its existing line-up this February in response to the changing lifestyles and habits of consumers.

The Anessa Day Serum was developed in response to the new habits that have emerged because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With consumers increasing their investment in skin care, parent company Shiseido saw an opportunity to develop a sun care product that people would “want to use every day”.​

The result was a sunscreen developed in a serum format that simultaneously protected and improved the appearance of the skin.

4 – ‘From a lens of strategy’: Hindustan Unilever chairman explains the FMCG giant’s measured approach to beauty M&As

Indian consumer goods giant Hindustan Unilever says is taking a cautious approach to any possible beauty acquisitions​.

The consumer goods giant was not phased by the many up and coming start-ups and disruptors that have bloomed domestically over the past few years.

While HUL has been very successful with its acquisition of Indulekha, the company was cautious about making more acquisitions and explained its measured approach.

HUL alluded that it would be focusing on the current suite of successful brands under its umbrella, including Indulekha, Simple and Love, Beauty and Planet.

5 – POLA expands bestselling White Shot range with skin care essence and supplements

POLA expands its bestselling White Shot range with a skin care essence and beauty supplement​ which are based on the company’s new research.

A study by POLA Chemical Industries, discovered that Geranium robertianum, commonly known as herb robert extract, could suppress the activation of melanocytes in the nerves and prevent the formation of age spots on the skin.

In addition to the firm’s proprietary ingredients such as Rucinol EX and mA Clear Extract found in other White Shot products, the new essence contains herb robert extract.

The company claims that by targeting the nerves, the new essence can combat more stubborn pigmentation spots.