Skin science: Latest stories on cosmetics science and formulation
Dive into our latest stories on formulation and science, featuring research on peptide-drug conjugate technology as well as various botanical extracts.
Formulation & science
Novel octapeptide CP-02 shows dual promise for skin regeneration, scar reduction
A study in South Korea has identified a novel short peptide, CP-02, that can significantly accelerate wound healing while simultaneously reducing the risk of scarring.
China focus: Latest developments in China’s booming beauty market
This round-up highlights recent developments in the Chinese beauty market, including latest research findings and updates from an upcoming trade event.
Magnolia bark extract offers new approach to reversing skin ageing via mitochondrial health
Researchers in South Korea have identified a liquid extract from the bark of Magnolia officinalis that rejuvenated skin by repairing the “powerhouses” of cells, known as mitochondria, and reducing the harmful waste products they produced.
Across the CD-Verse: February 2026
From high-profile legal battles in sun care to billion-euro acquisitions and tightening scrutiny of product claims, this month’s top stories reflect a beauty industry balancing growth, innovation and accountability.
Peptide-drug conjugate technology paves the way for advanced anti-photoageing solutions
Researchers from China and Singapore have developed a novel cosmetic ingredient that merges a collagen-mimicking peptide with caffeic acid, which has shown to significantly outperform traditional anti-ageing peptides.
Dissolvable mask with liposomal liquorice, kojic acid could solve sheet mask dilemma
Researchers in Thailand have developed a biodegradable, dissolvable face mask that uses nanotechnology to tackle hyperpigmentation while eliminating waste associated with traditional sheet masks.
Taiwanese orchid extract shows promise for skin protection, brightening
Researchers in Taiwan have discovered that exosome-like vesicles derived from the Phalaenopsis aphrodite orchid, commonly known as “Taiwanese Grandma”, could offer a new natural solution for skin protection and brightening.
Japanese researchers identify skin stem cell-boosting, anti-sagging plant extract
New research from Japan suggests that physiologically active compounds derived from Chloranthus quadrifolius are promising candidates for cosmetic applications aimed at skin regeneration and anti-ageing.
Skin science: Latest stories on cosmetics science and formulation
Dive into our latest stories on formulation and science, featuring research on new elastosome technology, link between dry skin and systemic lipid imbalance, a postbiotic metabolite’s effect on skin lightening, and more.
Top 10s: Gen Z’s luxury spending, Kolmar Korea and other most-read stories from Jan
We highlight the top 10 stories of January 2026, including Gen Z’s role in driving luxury beauty, Kolmar Korea’s CES wins, K-beauty’s “second coming”, latest scientific findings and more.
Himalayan seed waste provides new natural solution for green cosmetic stabilisers
Residue from the seed of the Prinsepia utilis Royle plant can be repurposed as a natural stabiliser for green emulsions, say researchers in China.
New elastosome technology boosts EGF penetration for superior anti-ageing results
Researchers in South Korea have developed a high-performance delivery system that pushes large-molecule anti-ageing ingredients deep into the skin.
Dry skin linked to systemic lipid imbalance, not simple deficiency: China study
New research from China revealed that low-hydration skin was not simply the result of a lipid shortage, but is characterised by systemic lipidomic dysregulation.
Kampo-based cream found to reduce eye wrinkles in Japanese clinical trial
A cream formulated with diverse bioactive ingredients derived from Kampo, traditional Japanese herbal medicine, can significantly reduce shallow wrinkles at corners of the eyes in women.
Combination therapy shows promise for treating atrophic acne scars in new study
A recent multi-centre study has revealed that a combination of Polynucleotide High-Purification Technology (PN HPT) and hyaluronic acid significantly improved the appearance of moderate to severe atrophic facial acne scars.
FANCL overcomes colour vibrancy issues with inorganic pigments through joint research
FANCL Corporation’s joint research with Tottori University has led to the development of new inorganic pigments that overcome issues with colour vibrancy.
Japan focus: Kao’s sweat tech, mä & më Latte’s hair care, latest research and more
This round-up highlights recent developments in the Japanese beauty market, including news from Kao and mä & më Latte, latest research findings, and more.
Probiotic-derived phenyllactic acid emerges as potent skin lightening agent: Korea study
A metabolite derived from a common probiotic bacterium, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, has demonstrated powerful and safe skin lightening effects in laboratory tests, positioning it as a promising new ingredient for the functional cosmetics market.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Skin science: Latest stories on cosmetics science and formulation
Dive into our latest stories on formulation and science, featuring research on extracts of Centella asiatica and cashew apple, an electrokinetic study on hair conditioner surfactants, rise and barriers of plant-based ingredients, and more.
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” that is safer and more energy-efficient than older methods by using tiny particles called zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystals (NCs).
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.
China focus: Latest developments in China’s booming beauty market
This round-up highlights recent developments in the Chinese beauty market, including news from Clariant and L Cosmetix, and latest research findings.
Centella asiatica ‘bubbles’, key proteins boost hair growth in 56-day study
A liquid formula combining natural parts from the Centella asiatica plant with growth-boosting proteins can greatly improve hair health in under two months when applied to the scalp, according to new research.
Cashew apple extract emerges as potent active for anti-ageing, wound care: Thai study
Researchers in Thailand have found that an extract from cashew apple, a typically discarded part of the plant, could be a powerful new ingredient for anti-ageing skin care and wound healing.
Electrokinetic study in Singapore ranks BTMC best hair conditioner surfactant
A new electrokinetic study compared how four workhorse cationic surfactants deposit on healthy and damaged hair, and confirmed behentrimonium chloride (BTMC) as the strongest performer on both absorption and combability.
Indian review highlights rise of plant-based cosmetic actives but flags safety, data gaps
A new scientific review has mapped how plant-based ingredients are reshaping cosmetic science, and where evidence and safety still fall short.
Skin science: Latest stories on cosmetics science and formulation
Dive into our latest stories on formulation and science, featuring research on extracts of pomegranate peel and dark tea, facial lipid shifts in women, an eco-friendly way to supercharge ferulic acid, as well as Kao’s study on skin sensitivity.
Astragalus-centella blend shows dual cosmetic, supplement potential: Taiwan study
A new study from Taiwan has reported that a blend of Astragalus membranaceus and Centella asiatica saponins (ACS) improved multiple markers of skin health when used both as a topical cream and as an oral supplement.
Across the CD-Verse: November 2025
November’s global news roundup includes exciting announcements from the financial sector, intriguing regional industry data analysis, and more.
Fermented milk postbiotic nudges skin microbes towards ‘friendly staph’: China study
Lactobacillus plantarum-fermented milk can suppress key skin pathogens while supporting beneficial Staphylococcus epidermidis growth, according to a new study in China.
Genetic aesthetics: BIOVOZ, University of Auckland partner to advance anti-ageing research
New Zealand premium skin care brand BIOVOZ has announced a strategic research partnership with the University of Auckland to accelerate the translation of science into groundbreaking anti-ageing innovations.
Pomegranate peel-powered zinc oxide nanoparticles show promise for anti-ageing sun care
Pomegranate peel extract enables zinc oxide nanoparticles’ green synthesis with high SPF and antioxidant, anti-pigmentation and antibacterial effects, according to new research in India.
Dark tea extract shows dual action against melanin formation: Chinese study
A new study in China has reported that a water extract of dark tea can both slow melanin production and reduce signals that drive post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Chinese study links facial lipid shifts to early skin ageing in women
A new lipidomics study of 151 healthy Chinese women has reported clear, age-linked shifts in facial stratum corneum lipids between ages of 19 and 33 years.
Hot-melt extrusion boosts ferulic acid delivery for skin brightening and repair – study
A South Korean study has presented an eco-friendly way to supercharge ferulic acid in two traditional herbs, Cnidium officinale (CO) and Angelica gigas (AG), using hot-melt extrusion.
Across the CD-Verse: October 2025
This month’s installment of CosmeticsDesigns’ global roundup examines shifting regulatory landscapes, financial news, and breakdowns of industry analysis reporting.
Kao identifies biological mechanism behind skin sensitivity, potential way to ease discomfort
Kao Corporation has uncovered a biological reason for sensitive skin often experiencing stinging or burning sensations despite appearing normal, as well as a potential way to ease these symptoms.
Skin science: Latest stories on cosmetics science and formulation
Dive into our latest stories on formulation and science, featuring research on extracts of peony root, ethanolic plum leaf and honeysuckle flower, efficacy of a new-gen Winona cream, and more.
2D titanium dioxide promises non-white cast, safer UV protection for next-gen sunscreens: Hi!Papa
A two-dimensional (2D) form of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has the potential to keep skin looking natural while blocking ultraviolet light as effectively as existing mineral filters, according to a Chinese study.
US study connects nasturtium extract to skin-aging improvements
New research highlights the potential of nasturtium extract in reducing skin aging by enhancing cytoglobin levels to combat oxidative stress, improving collagen and elastin synthesis, and boosting immune cell activity.
5 recent breakthroughs in cosmetic science
As researchers explore new biological pathways, ingredient mechanisms, and delivery systems, the gap between cosmetic science and clinical performance continues to narrow.
Grape cell culture viniferin shows in vitro wound healing and barrier support: study
Researchers in South Korea have reported that ε-viniferin — a compound formed when two resveratrol units join — and an ε-viniferin-enriched extract from grape flower cell cultures can help human skin cells repair themselves.
Top 10s: For Beloved One, EVERSOFT, 3CE and other most-read stories from Sep
We highlight the top 10 stories of Sep 2025, including brands like For Beloved One, EVERSOFT and 3CE, trend and investment news, latest research findings, and more.
NMN for hair? Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences on ‘first of its kind’ findings
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) has gained traction as an anti-aging ingredient, but a 12-week study funded by Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences—said to be “first of its kind” human clinical trial—showed that it could improve hair health too.
Across the CD-Verse: September 2025
This month’s roundup of CosmeticsDesign’s global coverage includes an in-depth look at scientific developments, sustainable innovation, and notable brand launches.