
Kolmar Korea wins long-running legal battle against Intercos over sun care tech leakage
Kolmar Korea has won a long-running legal dispute against Intercos Korea over the leakage of proprietary sun care technologies by former employees.
News & Analysis on Cosmetics Innovation

Kolmar Korea has won a long-running legal dispute against Intercos Korea over the leakage of proprietary sun care technologies by former employees.

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.

A data scientist from KOSÉ Corporation is set to demystify quantum computing and discuss how this advanced technology can steer future cosmetics R&D during a conference session at Personal Care and Homecare Ingredients (PCHi) 2026.

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.

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.

What’s next for beauty technology? If you couldn’t make it to CES this year, here are some of the most exciting new innovations.

Our round-up of recent trend developments in Asia-Pacific features K-beauty insights, fragrance advancement in South East Asia, growing importance of tech and personalisation, and more.

The 2026 edition of Personal Care and Homecare Ingredients (PCHi) will feature an expanded conference programme alongside a comprehensive showcase of technologies and solutions from around the world.

From major trends and innovation breakthroughs to drivers and barriers of the Asia-Pacific beauty industry, check out the top 10 articles that generated the most views on CDA this year.

LG Household & Health Care (LG H&H) is set to double down on its R&D for next-generation beauty tech devices that integrate personalisation and wearability.

Beauty tech firm Revieve believes technology, especially AI-powered personalisation, is no longer an option but a vital asset to stand out in an increasingly saturated beauty market with sophisticated consumers.

November’s global news roundup includes exciting announcements from the financial sector, intriguing regional industry data analysis, and more.

South Korean beauty giant Amorepacific has jointly developed a beauty tech system with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which it says goes beyond observation to prediction and management of skin changes.

South Korean firm APR Corp says that its cosmetics and beauty divisions were key growth drivers for the third quarter of 2025, leading to record-breaking financial results it recently announced.

Kolmar Korea is the only cosmetics company selected to lead an AI project funded by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR), aimed at driving next-generation manufacturing.

Chinese company L Cosmetix says that the myriad advantages of single-dose applications, including convenience, higher efficacy and less contamination, will lend itself to becoming a major beauty trend.

SaaS technology company Haut.AI has released a new generative AI-powered SkinGPT Aging Model in collaboration with digital health platform Noom.

Mintel’s 2026 global beauty trends forecast a shift towards wellness diagnostics, emotionally resonant experiences, and a celebration of imperfection. We explore what this means for the future of beauty.

This month’s roundup of CosmeticsDesign’s global coverage includes an in-depth look at scientific developments, sustainable innovation, and notable brand launches.

This monthly snapshot of the latest CosmeticsDesign coverage from around the world includes regional retail launches, trend research and analysis, and regulatory insights.

GS25 is introducing an AI device that provides personal colour analysis and product recommendations, in a bid to establish itself as a one-stop beauty platform.

Beauty tech company Haut.AI has just launched disruptive new AI-based technology in the sunscreen sector. We spoke to the CEO and co-founder to find out more.

Australian brand Face Dunk has launched a facial ice therapy kit comprising a precision-engineered bowl and complementary skin care products, which it says resolves issues related to existing DIY methods.

Japanese skin care brand INSiTU is partnering with a cosmetic acupuncture and moxibustion clinic to retail its products, amid growing interest in post-treatment home care.

South Korean convenience store chain CU has installed tattoo kiosks at two high-traffic locations to capture the trend of self-expression through body art and to diversify its offerings beyond traditional products.

South Korean beauty tech firm APR Corp has released guidelines relating to counterfeit products, which it has found to be on the rise, urging consumers to purchase only from official sales channels.

From reducing animal testing to optimizing ingredient sourcing, virtual twin technology has the potential to unlock faster product innovation and a smarter supply chain for beauty industry stakeholders.

South Korean beauty tech outfit APR Corp aims to accelerate growth in China by capitalising on the thriving “wanghong economy”, on the back of encouraging sales on Douyin live commerce broadcasts.

The French multinational plans to use IBM’s Gen AI technology to help it create more eco-friendly products.

We’ve rounded up some of the innovations showcased at CES 2025 this week.

AI-driven innovation and Gen Z and Alpha’s influence are pushing beauty brands to rethink personalization, privacy, and marketing strategies, says Michelle Cooke, an attorney at ArentFox Schiff.

Cosmetics brands can tap into white spaces in science-driven, AI-powered innovations to address the growing consumer interest in hyper-personalisation, longevity, and wellness, says Mintel.

Japanese start-up SCENTMATIC has developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered system that “verbalises scents into words”, helping consumers identify their preferences and make purchase decisions more easily.

South Korean beauty tech firm APR Corp aims to build on its promising sales performances in Japan and China, while broadening overseas sales channels for new products.

South Korean firm Gpower has signed a memorandum of understanding with Amorepacific-owned Pacific Tech to facilitate the development of beauty tech devices boasting both diagnosis and personalised skin care functions.

The rebound in makeup demand, live commerce influence, and popularity of K-beauty in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) represent key growth opportunities for halal beauty, says a recent report.