East Asia

Generational differences: Social media insights reveal divergent beauty concerns between millennials and Gen Z in Japan

03-Oct-2023 By Amanda Lim

New data by Bytedance-owned Lemon8 has highlighted differences in skin care concerns and makeup preferences among millennials and Generation Z demographics in Japan.

China focus: Latest developments in China’s booming beauty market

28-Sep-2023 By Amanda Lim

We round up the most recent developments in the exciting Chinese beauty market, including the impact of Japan’s nuclear wastewater release, Burberry’s potential in China and more.

Nanyang ambitions: CHLITINA CEO marks SEA as next major growth opportunity

27-Sep-2023 By Amanda Lim

Beauty company CHLITINA is poised to expand in South East Asia on the back of the rising spending power of consumers in the region’s emerging markets.

Emerging potential: Korea aims to boost K-beauty export to Vietnam by streamlining regulations

26-Sep-2023 By Amanda Lim

The South Korean government says it will work with local regulators to support and expand cosmetic exports to the Vietnamese market.

Stand tall among giants: Rapid innovation helps Taiwan’s 1028 Cosmetics keep pace with Korean, Japanese pioneers

26-Sep-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

1028 Cosmetics says that Taiwanese brands can carve a niche for themselves in a rapidly evolving industry through “strong innovative energy and all-round product development”.

Labelling and advertising violations most common cosmetics-related crackdowns in Korea – new data

20-Sep-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has released findings from its analysis of administrative action taken against cosmetics companies, which indicated that labelling and advertising violations accounted for 75% of cases.

Research hints at crucial link between the gut microbiome and adult dermatitis – Chinese study

20-Sep-2023 By Si Ying Thian

New research on adult atopic dermatitis (AD) suggests that relationship between the gut microbiome and AD is key to developing beneficial treatments.

Alibaba.com building on successes with South Korean cosmetics firms to boost SME overseas expansion

19-Sep-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

B2B e-commerce platform Alibaba.com plans to help more South Korean SMEs strengthen digital capabilities to expand their overseas sales channels, after successfully enabling cosmetics trading firms like BigPie C&T gain 80% growth.

Atrophic scarring improves with adapalene and benzoyl peroxide use – Japan RCT

15-Sep-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide gel can help to prevent the worsening of atrophic acne scars, according to 24-week Japanese study.

Balm boom: Hourglass expands Tiktok-favourite lip range in Korea as it rides vegan wave

13-Sep-2023 By Amanda Lim

Hourglass Cosmetics is extending the shade range of its best-selling Phantom Volumising Glossy Balm in South Korea as it experiences “explosive” sales response.

Nuclear fallout: Japan's Fukushima wastewater release sparks Chinese hesitation in J-beauty

12-Sep-2023 By Amanda Lim

Japan’s decision to release treated radioactive water has led to reluctance among Chinese beauty consumers to buy Japanese beauty products.

Less stress, less sebum: Skin-benefiting effects of dark tea demonstrate potential for cosmetics application – study

11-Sep-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

The stress-relieving action of dark tea polysaccharide and its ability to reduce stress-induced lipid secretion suggest strong cosmetics application potential, say Chinese researchers.

K-beauty expansion: Lotte Duty Free to back local SME brands in Japan venture

11-Sep-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

South Korean travel retailer Lotte Duty Free has invested in a government-backed project that supports local brands in entering and gaining presence in the Japanese market.

Hijiki displays potential for functional application to improve vitiligo and grey hair – Korean study

06-Sep-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Sargassum fusiforme (S. fusiforme), or hijiki, could be applied in cosmetic products as a melanogenesis-inducer to tackle hypopigmentation disorders and improve hair greying, say South Korean researchers.

Burberry boom: Coty CEO optimistic of further growth for Burberry Beauty in China

06-Sep-2023 By Amanda Lim

American beauty multinational Coty is targeting further growth for Burberry Beauty in China after recent successes in makeup and fragrance, alongside the impending launch of its first refillable perfume bottle.

‘Less impulsive’: Chinese beauty consumers behaviour becoming more ‘rational’ – Yatsen

05-Sep-2023 By Amanda Lim

The Chinese consumer is reining in previously impulsive buying habits and prioritising efficacy and functionality, says a top executive from Yatsen Holdings

Out of this world: Pola Orbis’ water-conserving skin care approved for use in space

04-Sep-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Japanese cosmetics company Pola Orbis says it has developed two semi-solid products that are not only designed for use in space, but also have potential to be adopted by populations facing water scarcity.

How to win over… the rapidly transforming K-beauty market

30-Aug-2023 By Amanda Lim

Here we reveal extensive and exclusive insights from K-beauty insiders Shinsegae, Olive Young, Melixir, Toiletpaper Beauty, and StyleStory, as they shed light on South Korea’s biggest trends and opportunities.

Efficacy over popularity: Korean skin care brand launches first waterless product amid consumer resistance

28-Aug-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Vegreen has launched its first waterless Vitamin C ampoule, believing extensive education on product use and effectiveness is key to overcoming consumer reluctance in the category.

China focus: Latest developments in China’s booming beauty market

24-Aug-2023 By Amanda Lim

We round up the most recent developments in the exciting Chinese beauty market, featuring news updates from La Prairie, L’Oréal, A.S. Watson and more.

Shanghai rolls out new regulations for on-site personalised cosmetics services

23-Aug-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

The Shanghai Municipal Medical Products Administration is aiming to bolster the standardisation of on-site personalised cosmetics services through an updated set of “trial provisions” that will be effective for two years, starting this month.

More than skin deep: Oral probiotics more effective in treating skin disorders – Review

23-Aug-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Chinese researchers say that oral probiotics is a better option than topical probiotics in treating inflammatory skin conditions, as it mediates the intestinal microbiota that in turns help regulate skin health.

Diagou disruptions: La Prairie H1 sales decline attributed to diagou woes in China and Korea

21-Aug-2023 By Amanda Lim

German personal care conglomerate Beiersdorf has blamed the diagou situation in China and South Korea for La Prairie’s 9.9% sales decline in the first half (H1).

K-beauty focus: Trends and innovations from South Korea’s cosmetics market

16-Aug-2023 By Amanda Lim

We round up the most recent developments in K-beauty, featuring Olive Young’s luxe ambitions, novel sun patches, K-beauty export updates and more.

KCA urges improvement to labelling of allergens and pH levels in shampoo bars

16-Aug-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

The Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) has advised cosmetics brands to tighten labelling on shampoo bars, after its recent test discovered that some products did not indicate allergenic ingredients or accurately display their acidity levels.

Self-innovation needed: Shiseido’s Japan business ‘at risk’ without major reforms – COO

15-Aug-2023 By Amanda Lim

Shiseido COO says that there needs to be fundamental business model changes to bring Japan back to growth.

Beiersdorf Q2: NIVEA Japan records ‘strongest quarter’ on the back on sun and lip care

14-Aug-2023 By Amanda Lim

German personal care brand NIVEA recorded strong growth in the second quarter (Q2) fuelled by innovation in sun and lip care products, with Japan performing particularly well.

Scent exploration: Pola Orbis launches personalised perfume subscription service

14-Aug-2023 By Amanda Lim

Japanese beauty conglomerate Pola Orbis has launched a monthly subscription service to help consumers find their signature scent through exploration.

At-home alternatives: ANSWR seizes ‘home salon’ beauty opportunity in Asia

09-Aug-2023 By Amanda Lim

CEO of ANSWR Beauty is aiming to expand its vision as a comprehensive ‘home salon’ beauty line to the Asian market.

Strong appetite for beauty: L’Oréal CEO sees ‘clear signs’ of consumption recovery in China

08-Aug-2023 By Amanda Lim

L’Oréal chief says consumer consumption and confidence is improving in China but cautions that the recovery process will be slower than expected.

Growing in Asia: Grown Alchemist furthers Asia expansion with Sephora SEA launch

07-Aug-2023 By Amanda Lim

Aussie skin care brand Grown Alchemist is set to make its South East Asian debut in September through an exclusive partnership with Sephora.

Luxe refresh: CJ Olive Young strengthens premium position with new retail brand

02-Aug-2023 By Amanda Lim

CJ Olive Young is rolling out its new retail brand, Luxe Edit to strengthen its position in the growing premium beauty market.

‘Now is the time’: Florihana targets Korea on the back of increasing demand for naturals in skin care, fragrance

01-Aug-2023 By Amanda Lim

Florihana is pushing to expand in South Korea to tap into the consumer demand for natural fragrances in both skin care and fine fragrances.

Next generation tech: Delivery system innovation key to Dr Ci:Labo’s latest ‘breakthrough’ retinol launches

31-Jul-2023 By Amanda Lim

Japanese derma brand Dr Ci:Labo’s “breakthrough” retinol products have been underpinned by innovations in delivery system technology.

‘Very sparse education’ about skin care in Japan’s medical community – Review

28-Jul-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Healthcare practitioners in Japan have limited knowledge about acne management and more needs to be done to demonstrate the impact of skin care to utilise it as a means of treatment and prevention.

China focus: Latest developments in China’s booming beauty market

27-Jul-2023 By Amanda Lim

We round up the most recent developments in the exciting Chinese beauty market, featuring news updates from Coty, Amorepacific and more.

Road to recovery: Sa Sa Q1 buoyed by return of tourists to HK, Macau

24-Jul-2023 By Amanda Lim

Sa Sa records 53.3% turnover increase in Hong Kong and Macau as more tourists return to its home market in the first quarter (Q1).

K-beauty export strategy: Less dependence on China, greater market diversification – MFDS

24-Jul-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) plans to intensify its market diversification strategies and tap into promising growth in South East Asia and Europe, as China exports dip.

Prickly potential: Antioxidant and antibacterial properties found in prickly pear extract – study

17-Jul-2023 By Si Ying Thian

The cladode and peel extracts of prickly pear show potential in skin care for its skin brightening, antioxidant, and antibacterial benefits, says new research from Taiwan.

Don’t call it a comeback: Behind the resurrection of first-gen K-beauty brands Skinfood, Nature Republic, Etude

17-Jul-2023 By Amanda Lim

First-generation K-beauty brands have navigated their way back to relevancy by banking on brand values, zeroing in on trends and playing on nostalgia, says one expert.

Chlitina develops new brand featuring microbiome-friendly peptide extracted from saliva

14-Jul-2023 By Amanda Lim

Taiwanese beauty company Chlitina has launched a new beauty and personal care brand featuring an exclusive antibacterial peptide extracted from human saliva.

Peptide power: Multi-peptide eye serum improves skin appearance around the eyes

13-Jul-2023 By Si Ying Thian

Using a multi-peptide serum for 28 days helped smoothen skin appearance around the eyes, but participants reported limited impact on fine lines and wrinkles, say Chinese researchers.

Korean red ginseng by-product found to contain anti-ageing properties and protect against UV damage – new study

12-Jul-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Korean red ginseng marc (KRGM) gintonin is a potential candidate to replace synthetic ingredients in anti-ageing and sun protection products due to its ability to reduce cell ageing and improve wound healing, researchers say.

Expanding footprint: Kao aims to raise market share of key global brands via product renewal and flagship stores

12-Jul-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

Japanese cosmetics giant Kao Corporation has dedicated resources to strengthen the presence of selected brands worldwide, with premium brand SENSAI leading the way through an upcoming flagship store in Shanghai.

Passing hype or here to stay? Sun patches score domestic success, but overseas opportunities in the balance – K-beauty expert

06-Jul-2023 By Hui Ling Dang

South Korean cosmetics brands such as IOPE and Mediheal have hopped on the bandwagon of sun patches, which have gone viral on social media, although the longevity of its popularity hangs in the balance.

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