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

Caudalie aims to meet sun care need for ‘new modern textures’ with non-aerosol spray in SEA​​

French pharmacy brand Caudalie’s new non-aerosol spray format seeks to satisfy the South East Asian consumers' demand for new, innovative sun care formats, says the brand’s co-founder.

Vinosun Very High Protection SPF 50+ Sun Waterwas designed as a non-aerosol spray format for easy and even application of its bi-phase formula.
The development of the sun water was driven by the need for new formats and sophisticated textures that tackle common complaints about sunscreen.

Prioritising fun key to drawing beauty shoppers back to stores – istyle​

Japanese retail firm istyle Inc has underscored the importance of creating engaging and enjoyable shopping experiences to draw post-COVID beauty consumers back into stores.

istyle's approach aims to entice customers back into brick-and-mortar outlets by infusing a sense of fun and excitement.

Creating enjoyment beyond shopping has organically created buzz on social media, which in turn has attracted others to their @cosme stores.

Social media insights reveal divergent beauty concerns between millennials and Gen Z in Japan​

New data by Bytedance-owned Lemon8 has highlighted differences in skin care concerns and makeup preferences among millennials and Generation Z demographics in Japan.

The recent data illuminated a generational shift in beauty priorities, highlighting distinct beauty-related worries and trends between millennials and Gen Z.

For instance, pores are a common concern among both generations. According to Lemon8 data, concerns about pores rank first in terms of number of posts and engagement.

Hourglass expands Tiktok-favourite lip range in Korea as it rides vegan wave​

Hourglass Cosmetics is extending the shade range of its best-selling Phantom Volumising Glossy Balm in South Korea as it experiences “explosive” sales response.

According to the retailer, response to the product has been “explosive” ​and underwent cycles of stock depletion and replenishment.

The product has gone viral across the social media sphere for its plumping and glossy effect on the lips, also known as the ‘tanghulu effect’, referencing a popular candied fruit snack.

Japan's Fukushima wastewater release sparks Chinese hesitation in J-beauty​

Japan’s decision to release treated radioactive water has led to reluctance among Chinese beauty consumers to buy Japanese beauty products.

On August 24, Japan started the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant's wreckage into the Pacific Ocean.

This polarising move prompted China to immediately ban all Japanese seafood imports. Meanwhile, the release of radioactive wastewater has had repercussions on the Japanese cosmetics sector.