Mini size, big spending: Gen Z expected to lead luxury beauty – Olive Young
South Korean health and beauty giant CJ Olive Young has published a report that identifies key trends for 2026, including the significant role of Gen Zs in leading the luxury sector.
Based on the 2026 Olive Young Trend Keyword report, the spending of Gen Z is increasing twice as fast as previous generations of the same age, with this group forecasted to account for 25% of luxury spending by 2030.
Although seven out of 10 Gen Z save up in their daily lives, they reportedly have a tendency to spend boldly, particularly in premium categories, if they think it is worth it and where their priorities lie — for example, luxury clothing (34%) and beauty (29%).
Kolmar Korea becomes first cosmetics company to win top honours at CES
Kolmar Korea’s AI-powered Scar Beauty Device has won the Best of Innovation in Beauty Tech award at CES 2026, making it the first cosmetics company to do so.
The device also received an Innovation Award in the Digital Health category, marking the company’s double win at this year’s CES.
The Best of Innovation Award is said to be the highest distinction at CES, given only to technologies that receive top scores across all evaluation criteria, including innovation, design, and technological excellence.
Hard water destroys foam stability, compromises cleansing products: L’Oréal study
A new study by L’Oréal Research & Innovation has revealed that hard water fundamentally destabilises the foam structure of common cosmetic cleansing products, dramatically compromising their performance and sensory appeal.
The research, which focused on a commercial face cleanser and a hair shampoo, involved an integrated analysis using macroscopic, microscopic, rheological, and tribological techniques to quantify the damage hard water could inflict on cosmetic foams.
The researchers said that the findings emphasise the importance of considering water quality, particularly hardness, when developing cleansing products to ensure optimal product efficacy.
K-beauty 2.0: Advanced tech, stronger branding, mid-range prices under spotlight
K-beauty is said to be experiencing a “second coming”, with advanced technology, stronger brand positioning, and mid-range products that deliver high quality taking centre stage.
In addition, K-beauty 2.0 features strong retail presence both online and offline, global recognition via social media platforms like TikTok, simplified routines, a focus on hero ingredients, and greater diversity in skin tone options.
These insights were published by Euromonitor International in its report titled Glass Skin & Global Wins: The Rise of K-Beauty.
Turmeric-infused hydrogel patch may support acne, skin inflammation treatment – Thai study
Thai researchers have developed a novel hydrogel patch containing an extract from Curcuma aromatica (CA), a traditional Thai medicinal plant that demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory and anti-acne properties in lab tests.
The findings suggested that the patch could offer a safer, more effective topical treatment for common inflammatory skin disorders including acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis.
This also presents an opportunity to move away from existing treatments that often cause unwanted side effects.
Zinc oxide nanocrystals offer energy-efficient path to PFAS remediation: Japan study
Scientists in Japan have found a new way to clean up “forever chemicals”, or perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), that is safer and more energy-efficient than older methods by using tiny particles called zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystals (NCs).
By coating ZnO NCs with a special layer and shining a simple LED light on them, the research team at Ritsumeikan University was able to break down 92% of a common PFAS known as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).
This method is a major step forward as it works at room temperature and does not require the extreme heat or dangerous materials used in the past. As these crystals are inexpensive to make and safe to handle, this technology has potential to be used on a large scale.
mä & më Latte garners sustained popularity for parent- and child-friendly products
Japanese personal care brand mä & më Latte is experiencing sustained popularity among parents for its hair care products that can be used by both adults and children.
Its products, namely Basic line, Damage Repair line, and Rinse in Shampoo, recently came out on top for a survey that garnered 22,586 votes in total.
A key ingredient in these products is “premium double milk protein”, a moisturising ingredient derived from fermented milk with lactoferrin and Lactobacillus that is said to gently protect children’s hair while providing thorough care for adult hair.
Kao’s new tech harnesses natural function of sweat to reduce discomfort
Kao Corporation’s Skin Care Products Research Laboratory has developed a technology to make sweat evaporate more easily and quickly, helping to reduce stickiness and odour.
Called sweat transpiration technology, it utilises the natural function of sweat, which is to cool the body by removing heat as it evaporates from the skin surface, to keep the skin comfortable in hot environments.
Results of this research were presented at the 3rd Annual Congress of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists of Japan held in Kanagawa Prefecture from December 8 to 10, 2025.
NCG shows promise as multifunctional anti-ageing skin care ingredient: South Korea study
South Korean researchers have found that N-carbamylglutamate (NCG), a molecule already used to support gut and reproductive health, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-melanogenic properties that contribute to the attenuation of skin ageing.
In lab tests, NCG was found to protect different types of skin cells from UV-induced damage, which leads to stress, collagen breakdown, inflammation, and excessive melanin production.
The researchers believe this data supports NCG as a potential key active ingredient for products that target “inflammageing” (ageing driven by low-grade inflammation).
Novel blend boosts melatonin, fights ageing on four fronts: Proya Cosmetics-funded study
A study in China has discovered an ingredients blend containing lavender flower extract (Lavandula angustifolia) and dipeptide-4 (LA-DP4) that significantly boosts the skin’s natural production of melatonin.
The research team also confirmed that the novel blend offered a comprehensive, four-pronged approach to anti-ageing by simultaneously addressing oxidative stress, glycation damage, declining cellular renewal, and the disruption of the skin’s internal clock.
The findings, published in International Journal of Cosmetic Science, could advance the understanding of in vitro and ex vivo efficacy testing methods for these properties, aiding cosmeceutical development.
