East Asia

'Milestone': UK issuing certifications for beauty firms to qualify for China animal testing exemptions

06-May-2021 By Kacey Culliney

The UK government has worked alongside the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) and wider beauty industry to digitally issue Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certificates that should enable the export of ‘ordinary’ goods to China without...

Fasio’s facelift: Kosé rebrands mass make-up brand to meet emerging ‘multifaceted needs’ of younger consumers

05-May-2021 By Amanda Lim

Japanese cosmetics company Kosé Corporation has relaunched its mass make-up brand Fasio to meet the new needs of consumers that have accelerated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Online opportunity: Kao aiming to strengthen ‘super prestige brand’ SENSAI in key markets

04-May-2021 By Amanda Lim

Kao Corporation is working to reinforce the online presence of its high-end beauty brand SENSAI in key markets such as Japan, China and Europe, in order to strengthen its position in the prestige skin care market.

China CBD ban: Asia Horizon CEO suggests how China can better regulate CBD cosmetics market

29-Apr-2021 By Amanda Lim

China-based CBD company Asia Horizon has suggested a few ‘straightforward’ ways China can go about regulating CBD cosmetics instead of implementing a blanket ban over the category.

China beauty device rules: Regulator indicates radiofrequency products will be classed as medical item

29-Apr-2021 By Amanda Lim

A newly published document suggests that the Chinese authorities are likely to regulate portable radiofrequency beauty devices as a medical commodity.

Origins of men’s cosmetics? Discovery of 2,700-year-old face cream gives insight into men’s beauty habits in ancient China

27-Apr-2021 By Amanda Lim

A team of archaeologists from China have unearthed a 2,700-year-old face cream that appears to reveal insights into ancient China’s cosmetics industry and male beauty preferences.

Sensitive skin saviours: Physiogel launches sensitive skin-friendly facial sheet masks and sunscreen for K-beauty market

21-Apr-2021 By Amanda Lim

Derma beauty brand Physiogel has launched two facial sheet masks and sunscreen in Korea, a first for the brand since L&G Household and Health acquired its brand rights in Asia and North America.

Scientists outline mechanism linking skin microbiome to ageing in new product drive

20-Apr-2021 By Will Chu

Korean scientists are claiming a world first in findings that suggests a mechanism linking the skin microbiome with ageing that the team says opens the door to a next generation of anti-aging cosmetics.

‘Ocean ginseng’: Aussie brand eyes big opportunities in China for sea cucumber collagen skin care

15-Apr-2021 By Amanda Lim

Queensland-based luxury skin care brand Bescher is seeking success in China’s skin care market by tapping into its fondness for sea cucumber, a culinary delicacy among Chinese.

Tourist trap: Shiseido aims to restore growth in Japan without overreliance on travellers

14-Apr-2021 By Amanda Lim

Japanese beauty MNC Shiseido says it is aiming to reduce its reliance on inbound tourists in Japan as it works on restoring growth in its home market by reinforcing its relationship with local consumers and business partners.

Full-scale expansion: Why Kao is pinning its hopes on travel retail in China despite global tourism woes

13-Apr-2021 By Amanda Lim

Kao has unveiled plans for a full-scale entry into China’s travel retail space – at both airports and downtown stores – on the back of booming offshore duty-free sales in the past year thanks to government efforts to boost domestic tourism.

Recycled coffee: Hug Browne outlines crowdfunding NPD in bid to cultivate sustainable beauty habits among Japanese consumers

07-Apr-2021 By Guan Yu Lim

Japan-based sustainable beauty company Hug Browne hopes to develop more beauty and cosmetic products from upcycled coffee grounds, following the launch of its first body scrub last year.

Post acquisition expansion: Japan’s Q’sai looks to beauty-from-within and healthy ageing for new growth

07-Apr-2021 By Guan Yu Lim

Japanese health foods and skin care manufacturer Q’sai has launched a skin health supplement, along with new skin care products, and has plans to venture into the healthy ageing segment following its recent acquisition.

China CBD crackdown: Ban on cannabis cosmetics will likely halt sales online as authorities push ‘anti-drug’ stance

05-Apr-2021 By Amanda Lim

China’s proposal to ban the use of cannabis and cannabis extracts in cosmetics will likely affect sales via cross-border e-commerce channels as the authorities double down on ‘anti-drug’ education.

Strategic markets: Masstige skin care and sustainable beauty identified as huge opportunities for growth in China – Quadpack

25-Mar-2021 By Amanda Lim

Masstige skin care and sustainable beauty are two of the biggest opportunities for China growth, according to cosmetics packaging firm Quadpack.