China Traveler Search: Chanel, Helena Rubinstein Lead September Beauty Index

Chinese Traveler Search Trends for September 2026

The Jessica's Secret Index, a monthly barometer of Chinese consumer interest, has released its September 2026 rankings for various categories, including beauty. Developed by Mirko Wang's China-based Jessica's Secret app in partnership with The Moodie Davitt Report, this index tracks search demand from a user base primarily composed of younger Chinese travelers.

The data provides insight into popular products across fragrances, makeup, and skincare, reflecting consumer curiosity rather than actual sales performance. The September figures also show month-on-month movements compared to the August 2026 index.

Leading Makeup Products by Search Demand

In the makeup category for September 2026, Chanel's Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue Ultra Wear Liquid Lip Colour #40 secured the top position in search demand. YSL followed closely with its Le Cushion Encre de Peau Foundation #B20 and Touche Eclat Glow-Pact Cushion #B10 ranking second and third, respectively.

Other prominent brands in the top 20 included Albion with its Elegance La Poudre Haute Nuance #01, Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder #crystal, and Givenchy Prisme Libre Setting & Finishing Loose Powder #1. Chanel and YSL collectively held several positions, indicating strong and consistent interest in their complexion and lip product offerings.

Skincare Products Capturing Chinese Traveler Interest

Helena Rubinstein's Replasty Age Recovery Night Cream led the skincare category in search demand for September 2026. Clé de Peau Beauté's Correcting Cream Veil and La Mer's The Treatment Lotion 150ml also ranked high, taking the second and third spots.

Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex II Duo and Chanel's La Mousse Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream-to-Foam completed the top five. La Mer demonstrated broad appeal with multiple products in the top 20, including Crème de la Mer and The Eye Concentrate.

SK-II, Lancôme, Clarins, SkinCeuticals, La Prairie, and Guerlain also featured prominently among the most searched skincare items.

Fragrance Searches Dominated by Chanel

Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle edp was the most searched fragrance among Chinese travelers in September 2026. Le Labo's Santal 33 edp followed in second place, with other Chanel variants such as Gabrielle edp and 1957 Les Exclusifs de Chanel edp also ranking high. Chanel maintained a significant presence throughout the top 20 fragrance searches.

Giorgio Armani Prive The Yulong edt, Loewe Aire Sutileza edt, Tom Ford Oud Wood edp, and Creed Silver Mountain Water edp were among other notable fragrances that garnered substantial search interest. Dior, Penhaligon’s, Jo Malone London, Diptyque, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian also appeared in the rankings.

Implications for Beauty Brands in Asia

For beauty brands targeting Chinese travelers, the Jessica's Secret Index provides a clear signal of product visibility and consumer engagement. High search demand, particularly for specific SKUs from brands like Chanel, YSL, Helena Rubinstein, and La Mer, indicates strong brand recognition and potential interest for duty-free and travel retail channels.

Marketers should use these search trends to refine their product placement, digital marketing, and promotional strategies, especially when launching new items or planning campaigns for the upcoming holiday season.

Understanding that search interest does not directly translate to sales, brands can still leverage this data to inform inventory decisions and enhance product discoverability among this influential demographic.