David vs Goliath? K-beauty brand wins copying lawsuit against Olive Young
A Korean court recently ruled in favour of an indie K-beauty brand in a product-copying lawsuit against retail giant Olive Young.
The news came out via Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) News, one of South Korea’s largest national television and radio networks, on July 7.
Although it was not specified in the news report, Lauren Lee, founder of K-beauty retailer STYLESTORY and skin care brand Jelly Ko, identified the product to be from REVCELL, a brand owned by Cosmoreplus Co Ltd.
Following an injunction filed in November 2024, the court ruled in favour of Cosmoreplus on June 20 this year, stating that “it is reasonable to acknowledge that Olive Young’s mask pack was manufactured based on the design of the plaintiff’s product.
The court proceeded to ban Olive Young from manufacturing, selling, and exporting the product. The beauty giant has since halted production in May and stopped sales in July.
Skin to scalp: COSRX debuts hair care line as Amorepacific advances peptide research
Amorepacific-owned COSRX has launched its first hair care range named PEPTIDE 132, as the company makes progress in hair fortification research.
In response to the growing “skinification of hair” trend, COSRX has applied its skin care expertise to scalp and hair care, creating a line of products that claim to not only mask damage but also repairs it from within.
For instance, PEPTIDE-132 (Tripeptide-132 HCl) is a patented tripeptide developed by the brand’s R&D team to target and rebuild damaged keratin. It has been clinically shown to reduce breakage, improve elasticity and manageability, and restore bounce, softness, and glossiness.
Drop Zone: SK-II, Avène and more tackle summer weather with new sun care launches
As temperatures rise, sun protection takes centre stage as various beauty brands introduce their innovations to help consumers gear up for summer weather.
This round-up features the latest product launches from brands like SK-II, Avène, Tatcha and dearcloud that are revitalising the sun care category.
Mane Kancor places focus on personal care, drives growth with anti-dandruff innovation
India-headquartered ingredients firm Mane Kancor looks to expand its footprint in the personal care sector, with its latest anti-dandruff ingredient poised to spur growth.
The firm has its eyes set on three main categories, namely sun care, hair care, and skin care, where “multiple challenges and opportunities” lie.
One of Mane Kancor’s new innovations is PURAKAN, which is claimed to be a natural alternative to synthetic anti-dandruff ingredients like zinc pyrithione and piroctone olamine.
PURAKAN is a patented formulation of botanical extracts, including pomegranate peel, corn mint and ajowan, specially selected for their benefits in scalp care.
‘Coldest breakthrough’: Face Dunk reinvents cryotherapy with at-home tool and skin care
Australian brand Face Dunk has launched a facial ice therapy kit, which it says resolves issues related to existing DIY methods.
Cryotherapy is an ancient practice known to reduce inflammation, tighten pores, and revitalise skin. When applied inappropriately, however, it can compromise rather than enhance skin health.
To reinnovate this age-old ritual, Face Dunk spent 18 months developing over 50 prototypes of its patented, precision-engineered bowl that features double-wall insulation with an ergonomic tilt and spill-resistant design.
It has also developed complementary skin care products called Glow Drops that are powered by microbiome-supportive, skin-enhancing actives chosen for their performance in cold conditions.
Peptides cosmetics boundaries with pharmaceutical-grade innovation: China study
Peptides, or short chains of amino acids, may have the potential to bridge the gap between pharmaceuticals and skin care, according to researchers in China.
Originally developed for pharmaceutical use, these molecules are now transforming skin care, with applications in anti-ageing, whitening, moisturising, wound healing, and antimicrobial protection.
This is particularly promising, as it means peptides can bring the scientific rigour of drug development into beauty products.
Kanebo to launch vernix-inspired cream duo as flagship products, eyes bigger presence in Asia
Japanese beauty brand Kanebo is set to release a vernix-inspired cream duo as “global flagship products”, as it seeks to boost presence across Asia.
As part of its Global Sharp Top initiative, Kao has positioned Kanebo as one of six core brands driving global growth within its cosmetics business.
Called CREAM IN DAY II and CREAM IN NIGHT II, the new products will be available at online shops, department stores, and cosmetic retailers across Japan from September 5.
Subsequently, they will be progressively introduced in overseas markets, as well as through travel retail and cross-border e-commerce platforms, following which Kanebo will be doubling down on promotional activities with a focus on the Thai market.
Seed & Sprout addresses green fatigue and misconceptions about bar format, harnesses TikTok’s reach
Australia’s Seed & Sprout is addressing green fatigue among consumers and debunking misconceptions about bar format products, while leveraging TikTok to spread sustainability and brand awareness.
Launched in 2016, the brand is home to a variety of sustainable products, including personal care like shampoo, conditioner, face cleanser and body wash bars.
Sophie Kovic, founder of Seed & Sprout, told CosmeticsDesign-Asia that there is a misconception that the bar format has less product or value for money.
Thai researchers develop nano-emulsions with magenta plant extract for anti-ageing
Researchers in Thailand have made a breakthrough in developing a plant-based skin care ingredient that shows strong potential in anti-ageing formulations.
A team from the University of Phayao and Chulalongkorn University detailed how Peristrophe bivalvis (P. bivalvis), commonly used in traditional medicine and as a food colourant, could be formulated into stable water-in-oil nano-emulsions for cosmetic applications.
The study focused on extracting active compounds from the plant’s leaves and assessing their biological activity and safety. The extracts showed strong antioxidant effects, glycation inhibition, and lipid peroxidation reduction, all of which are essential mechanisms for fighting skin ageing.
Fit for summer: Neopharm’s brands introduce new body care catering to seasonal woes
Brands from South Korean cosmetics manufacturer Neopharm are targeting the body care needs of consumers during the summer season through various launches.
Atopalm, a skin care brand specialising in sensitive skin, recently introduced a new product called Mild & Soothing Feminine Cleanser, which is aimed at providing gentle care for the Y-zone in hot and humid weather.
Additionally, body care brand Derma:B has released a new range called Balance FIT that claims to help “create a balanced body line” for those concerned about swelling and cellulite, which are difficult to resolve through diet alone.
