China focus: Latest developments in China’s booming beauty market

Accelerating growth: Chantecaille set for China launch in Q3 as it aims to return to growth in 2024​

Luxury botanical beauty brand Chantecaille is scheduled to launch in China later this year, as it seeks to return to growth after a tough 2023.

Chantecaille, which is owned by German personal care major Beiersdorf, is currently waiting for full regulatory approval of its portfolio.

The brand is expected to soft launch in August, with a full-scale launch the following month. The launch campaign will involve media and influencers, with promotional activities taking place both online and offline.

Neopharm outlines China expansion plans to tap into thriving baby care market​​

South Korean cosmetics firm Neopharm will launch three baby products, specifically MLE Baby Lotion, MLE Baby Cream, and Top to Toe Baby Wash, on Chinese e-commerce platforms Tmall, Douyin, and Kuaishou from March.

The company highlighted the importance of having a strong online presence as China’s e-commerce market continues to grow. Its digital marketing plans include working with key opinion leaders (KOLs), such as childcare experts, to boost awareness on Tmall and Douyin.

It will also tap into live commerce opportunities on Douyin and Kuaishou.

Gut and hair connection? New study identifies specific gut microbiota linked to patchy hair loss​​

New research is suggesting that specific types of gut microbiota is linked to alopecia areata (AA), providing potential leads to treatment and prevention.

AA is a form of non-scarring hair loss, marked by autoimmune dysfunction and typically presented as isolated patches of hair loss.

Results from this new study, conducted by a team from Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, and the Third People’s Hospital of Hangzhou, identified that certain types of gut bacteria were associated with a lower risk of AA.

These include butyricimonas​, enterorhabdus​, eubacterium​ (xylanophilum​ group), and phascolarctobacteriu​.

‘We are optimistic’: Beiersdorf closing in on China’s approval for brightening ingredient​​

Beiersdorf’s chief executive Vincent Warnery is “optimistic” about getting China’s regulatory approval for its hero ingredient W630, which will allow it to launch a wider range of products in the lucrative market.

During Beiersdorf’s 2023 full-year results on February 29, Warnery told analysts that the process has been going on smoothly, but did not give a definite timeline of when the approval might come through.

Once the ingredient registration is signed off, the company will move to get regulatory approval for its formulation.

Elizabeth Arden’s success in China travel retail linked to emphasis on brand storytelling​​

Revlon-owned luxury beauty brand Elizabeth Arden’s success in China’s travel retail channel has been attributed to its emphasis on brand storytelling, a key factor that has resonated with the modern Chinese woman.

The brand’s two core skin care pillars, Ceramide and Prevage, have been “growing well”​ in the travel retail channel, according to Yumie Chia, general manager, Elizabeth Arden APAC Travel Retail.

Additionally, the brand’s fragrance category, which consists of iconic fragrances such as Red Door, Green Tea, and White Tea, has also found favour with consumers.