South East Asia

Online phenomenon: Why beauty brands can expect e-commerce boom to continue in 2022 – Shopee

18-Jan-2022 By Amanda Lim

Premiumisation, improved augmented reality services, greater sampling opportunities and the growing popularity of e-commerce outside of Asia’s major cities can propel online sales growth across the beauty category in 2022, says Singapore-based site Shopee.

Sun and surf: Kao to relaunch sun care brand Allie with ‘ocean safety’ focus in 2022

21-Dec-2021 By Amanda Lim

Kao Corporation is relaunching its sun care brand, Allie, with a series of new ‘ocean safe’ products that align with recent regulations implemented in Thailand, Hawaii, and Palau.

Mindful resistance: Myanmar-duo creates luxury beauty brand that speaks to the spirit of Gen Z

06-Dec-2021 By Amanda Lim

Myanmar-born beauty brand Gabar is targeting Gen Z consumers by appealing to them with sensorial products that promote its brand of ‘mindful resistance’.

Global vision: Singapore’s Skinlycious launches in US as it seeks to become ‘top’ acne care brand

30-Nov-2021 By Amanda Lim

Singapore-based acne care brand Skinlycious has recently launched in the US market and is seeking an international retail partner that can help the brand achieve its goal of becoming the ‘top’ acne care brand in the world.

‘The time is now’: Strong demand for luxury beauty pushing escentials to ramp up SEA expansion despite ‘difficult times’

24-Nov-2021 By Amanda Lim

The encouraging prospect of luxury beauty in South East Asia is pushing retailer escentials to embark on a regional expansion despite the impact of COVID-19.

Gym bag essentials: Solyph spurred to expand business in light of growing opportunities in active beauty segment

09-Nov-2021 By Amanda Lim

Active beauty brand Solyph is aiming to tap into what it believes are greater opportunities for the brand following the increase in personal health and wellness concerns that have accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PODCAST – Brave, bold, local: Founder of Oo La Lab on what it will take for Asian fragrance brands to go global

05-Nov-2021 By Amanda Lim

On this episode of Indie Pioneers, we chat with Dan Terry, the founder and creative director of Oo La Lab to discuss the potential of niche Asian fragrance brands in the global market and talk about the importance of scent to heritage and culture.

Lather and save: Waterless brand Bhuman unveils powdered shampoo to ‘make bigger impact’ on sustainable mission

02-Nov-2021 By Amanda Lim

Zero-waste personal care brand Bhuman has launched a new water-activated powdered unisex hair wash, a move the brand believes will enable it to make a bigger positive environmental impact given the high penetration of shampoo.

Colour theory: GoPlay moves to target US market with new and improved DIY lipstick system

19-Oct-2021 By Amanda Lim

Singapore-based beauty start-up GoPlay looking to zero in on the US market following the rebirth of its new and improved DIY lipstick system this coming November.

‘Grossly neglected’: Underserved hair care market due for a tech upgrade – Verdure

19-Oct-2021 By Amanda Lim

Singapore-based brand Verdure believes there is need for more tech innovation targeting hair care concerns, with the majority of developments focused on other categories in the beauty space.

Easy does it: Filipino beauty consumers prioritising efficiency in make-up post-COVID

14-Oct-2021 By Amanda Lim

Cosmetic manufacturers are being encouraged to develop make-up products that can appeal to Philippine consumers’ needs for efficiency and practicality to withstand the slow recovery of the category.

Powder power: Singapore start-up to launch eco-conscious hair care brand with waterless shampoos

05-Oct-2021 By Amanda Lim

A Singapore-based start-up is set to launch a range of waterless shampoos to tackle the issue of plastic waste and water scarcity in 2022 after delays brought about by COVID-19.

‘Zero tolerance’: E-commerce firms urged to combat sale of mercury-laden whitening products and plastic pollution

20-Sep-2021 By Amanda Lim

E-commerce companies such as Shopee and Lazada are being urged to lead the fight against the sale of adulterated whitening products and the problem of plastic waste pollution.

‘Sleep is so near yet so far’: Scent by SIX unveils new collection to promote better sleep

17-Sep-2021 By Amanda Lim

Independent fragrance label Scent by SIX – set up by an ex-Givaudan exec – has launched a new scent collection to promote better sleep that contains scent technology developed by Takasago.

Skin care sanctuary: La Prairie to offer more personalised experiences with first standalone flagship in SEA

06-Sep-2021 By Amanda Lim

Swiss luxury skincare brand La Prairie has launched its first standalone flagship store in South East Asia, which it believes will help the brand to meet the increasing demand for a more personalised experience for its high-end clientele.