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.
Skin care
dsm-firmenich aims to elevate C-beauty through biological intelligence and advanced tech
dsm‑firmenich is looking to elevate consumer products in the Chinese beauty market through its ingredient innovations powered by advanced biotechnology.
Value-driven marketplaces are shaping K-beauty brands’ US growth strategies – Wishcompany
Seoul-headquartered Wishcompany says that value-driven marketplaces combining accessibility and strong product discovery are increasingly shaping the growth strategies of K-beauty brands in the US.
Watsons Singapore elevates retail experience to meet modern shopper’s needs
Watsons is actively evolving its health and beauty retail presentation and portfolio to reflect the needs of modern shoppers, with a stronger focus on discovery, experience and convenience.
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.
Greater transparency, consistency needed to regain consumer trust in sunscreens – Mukti Organics
Australia’s Mukti Organics says that greater transparency and consistency is needed for brands to regain consumer trust following last year’s sunscreen scandal in the country.
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.
Shiseido tackles beauty industry challenges via inclusivity, hyper-personalisation
Shiseido is tackling challenges of the rapidly evolving beauty industry through product innovations and social initiatives that champion inclusivity and hyper-personalisation.
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.
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.
‘100% Mineral’ sunscreen class action spotlights risk around absolute ingredient claims
A recently filed false advertising class action lawsuit against Supergoop! is has drawn attention among stakeholders navigating ingredient-based marketing claims.
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.
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.
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.
Supplier update: Strategic partnerships and new facilities feature in this round-up
This round-up highlights recent developments among cosmetics supplier companies, including latest strategic partnerships and newly opened facilities.
Indian brand Chengavi sheds light on Dravyaguna and evolution of Ayurvedic beauty
Indian skin care brand Chengavi explains the role of Dravyaguna in its formulations, and weighs in on how Ayurvedic beauty has evolved from a niche to premium category.
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.
Across the CD-Verse: January 2026
This month’s global beauty news headlines encompass exciting innovations, regulatory pressures, and acquisitions with significant industry impacts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What’s trending: Top stories on APAC beauty market and consumer insights
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.
Three key areas in K-beauty to look out for in 2026
Find out the three key areas, including shifts in consumer needs and categories in demand, that are expected to shape the development of K-beauty in 2026.
PCHi 2026 expands conference programme to support global industry growth
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.
Top 10: Most-read articles on CosmeticsDesign-Asia in 2025
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.
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.
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.
New sunscreen brand targets low SPF use among young men
Skinmetal, a new mineral sunscreen brand created by Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson, targets young men with innovative, masculine skincare products to address low SPF use and promote long-term skin health.
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.
India focus: Colgate, Sensodyne and Garnier Men feature in this round-up
This round-up highlights new product launches in the Indian market, which underscore the growing importance of oral care and democratisation of beauty for men.
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.
Retinol alternative: Cetaphil’s new range targets pre-ageing care for sensitive skin
Cetaphil’s new product range is specifically formulated for pre-ageing sensitive skin, with a focus on supporting natural skin cell renewal.
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.
Why Lush cofounder thinks strong skincare for children could backfire
Lush co-founder Helen Ambrosen shares her views on kids’ skincare launches.
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).
K-beauty for kids: why Shay Mitchell’s Rini brand divides opinion
Is children’s skincare the next beauty frontier or an unpleasant side-effect of the cosmetics industry? Inside Rini’s launch…
Cosmetics, beauty devices lead APR Corp’s ‘record-breaking’ performance in Q3 2025
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.
What’s trending: Top stories on APAC beauty market and consumer insights
Our round-up of recent trend developments in Asia-Pacific’s beauty market features single-dose packaging, fragrance trends in China, rising demand for peri- and postoperative skin care, Ayurvedic skin care in Australia, and travel retail as growth engine.
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.