Singapore · Friday, September 18, 2026
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The executive brief on
Asia’s beauty economy.
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Briefing.

The day's business of Asian beauty, market moves, deals, regulation, and people, reported and checked by our newsroom.

Lumson Buys US, Asia Beauty Packaging Firms
Deals & Money

Lumson Buys US, Asia Beauty Packaging Firms

The Italian primary packaging specialist now holds direct operations across Europe, North America, and Asia, expanding its supply chain for global beauty brands.

Market Moves

Shinsegae Duty Free Launches Korea Holiday Beauty Sale

The inaugural 'Shin Duty Free Sale' offers up to -60% off 2,200 cosmetics and fragrance products online and features exclusive in-store deals in Seoul through 11 October.

Market Moves

Laneige Reopens Seoul Flagship with AI Customization

The brand's revitalized concept store, Laneige Seoul, offers on-demand manufacturing for personalized skincare, complexion, and lip products after an 18-month redevelopment.

Market Moves

Musinsa Beauty's First Store in Seoul Exceeds KRW 250 Million Sales

The Musinsa Beauty Hongdae store, spanning 1,322 square meters, generated over 250 million won ($183,000) in its initial three days, with foreign visitors accounting for nearly 60 percent of Sunday's customers.

Market Moves

CNSC Opens Fuzhou Airport Duty-Free Stores, Features Beauty

China National Service Corporation (CNSC) launched two new duty-free outlets spanning 831.4 sq m today at Fuzhou Changle International Airport Terminal 2, developed with Xiangye Group and featuring extensive fragrance and cosmetics sections.

Market Moves

Shiseido Travel Retail VP Fran Law on Asia Star Power Strategy

Fran Law, Vice President Commercial and Business Development, Travel Retail Asia Pacific, details how Shiseido translates cultural relevance into consumer engagement for SHISEIDO ULTIMUNE.

Market Moves

Japan's Diane Perfect Beauty Expands US Reach at Target

The Nature Lab-owned hair care brand introduced ten shampoo and conditioner products across five collections, each priced at US$15, available nationwide.

Market Moves

Ulta Beauty Adds Sexual Wellness, Partners Halle Berry

The beauty retailer identified strong demand for sexual wellness products among mature women, partnering with Halle Berry's Respin brand.

Market Moves

Jenecell Partners Cosmax for Stem Cell Culture Cosmetics Production

The Korean subsidiary of Alfresa Corporation will leverage Cosmax's ODM capabilities to develop and manufacture premium cosmetics based on bone marrow-derived stem cell culture supernatant, targeting initial sales in Korean hospitals.

Market Moves

Grasse Museum, Cosmoprof Host 26 Asian Fragrance Brands

The Musée International de la Parfumerie in Grasse will host a six-month gallery for 26 contemporary Asian fragrance brands, opening September 26, 2026, in a first-time collaboration with Cosmoprof and Esxence.

Market Moves

Cosmetic 360 Paris, October: 260 Exhibitors, Regenerations

The 12th edition of the global fragrance and cosmetics innovation showcase, organized by Cosmetic Valley, will convene 5,800 decision-makers in Paris this October.

Deals & Money

Puig Acquires Full ISDIN Ownership, Boosts Skincare Portfolio

Spanish beauty group Puig gains full ownership of ISDIN, increasing its skincare sales to over 21% of group revenue from 11% in FY2025.

Market Moves

Galderma Korea Debuts ALASTIN Skincare at Seoul Event

Galderma Korea introduced its ALASTIN skincare line for aesthetic procedures to about 100 influencers and 400 healthcare professionals at its GAIN RESTAGE event in Seoul on September 5, 2026.

Market Moves

Cosmax Gains MFDS Approval for Bakuchiol Wrinkle Stick

The Korean OEM secured approval via the rigorous "non-notified" path for its plant-based retinol alternative, planning global client offerings by this year.

Market Moves

Sulwhasoo Opens First Japan Pop-up at Isetan Shinjuku

The Korean beauty brand introduces its ginseng-based products and signature services in Tokyo through October 13, following earlier market engagement activities in Japan.

Market Moves

Bernard Arnault's Fortune Drops US$65 Billion, Exiting Top 10

The LVMH Chairman and CEO's wealth fell to US$143 billion this year, reflecting reduced luxury spending in key markets like China and the Middle East.

Market Moves

Hindustan Unilever Boosts Investment in India's Premium Beauty

Hindustan Unilever plans to raise its capital expenditure from 2% to 3% of turnover, targeting high-growth segments like skincare and male grooming in India.

Market Moves

Sulwhasoo Expands Japan Presence with Isetan Shinjuku Pop-Up

Amorepacific's luxury K-beauty brand launched its first official department store pop-up in Tokyo on September 5, running until October 13, as it broadens its omnichannel strategy in Japan.

Market Moves

THG Beauty H1 2026 Revenue Up 5.9%, Lookfantastic, K-Beauty Boost

THG Beauty reported a 5.9% revenue increase to £500.2 million in the first half of 2026. Growth came from Lookfantastic, demand for K-beauty, and sales through TikTok Shop.

Market Moves

Givaudan Opens Casablanca Hub, Targets SAMEA Market Growth

Givaudan established a new development hub in Casablanca, Morocco, on September 11, 2026. This facility aims to expand the company's reach across the South Asia, Middle East, and Africa (SAMEA) region, supporting local product development and client engagement.

Market Moves

APR Expands Medicube Presence with US, Europe Pop-Ups

Korean beauty firm APR plans a series of Medicube brand pop-up stores across the United States and Europe. This initiative follows significant sales growth in both regions for the first half of this year.

Market Moves

Malbon Golf Expands China Retail Footprint

US golf lifestyle brand Malbon Golf has increased its retail presence in China, opening multiple stores in Shanghai and Beijing this year. The company plans further expansion into cities like Hangzhou and Shenzhen. This move deepens its engagement with the Chinese consumer market through localized store designs and exclusive product lines.

Market Moves

L'Oréal and Cosmax Sign Pact for Joint Beauty Product Development

L'Oréal Groupe and South Korea's Cosmax will combine their expertise to develop advanced beauty products. This collaboration focuses on global product development, innovative ingredients, and sensory solutions, linking French science with K-beauty design.

Market Moves

Forvr Mood Builds Fragrance Brand Beyond Influencer Influence

Fragrance and lifestyle company Forvr Mood aims to establish an independent brand identity beyond co-founder Jackie Aina's significant online presence. The company, launched in 2020 by Aina and Denis Asamoah, recorded $3 million in sales within its first six months.

Market Moves

Givaudan Opens Morocco Development Hub for SAMEA

Givaudan, a flavors and fragrances company, launched a new development hub in Casablanca, Morocco. This facility aims to enhance local fragrance development and application capabilities for clients across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

Market Moves

Lotte Duty Free Launches Chuseok Promotions, Offers Up to -70% Discounts

Lotte Duty Free initiated a wide-ranging promotional program for South Korea's Chuseok holiday and the broader autumn travel period. The campaign includes online and offline channels, providing discounts and benefits until late October, aiming to attract travelers during a critical shopping season.

Market Moves

Musinsa Launches Seoul Beauty Store with Pharmacist Consultations

Korean fashion platform Musinsa has opened its first standalone beauty flagship in Seoul's Hongdae district, featuring a pharmacy model that offers specialized consultations. This expansion aims to compete with dominant beauty retailers and connect new K-beauty brands with consumers.

Market Moves

Korean BornToStandOut Debuts Melón Malo Fragrance

Korean niche fragrance brand BornToStandOut expanded its portfolio with Melón Malo, a new fragrance. Developed by Givaudan perfumer Jordi Fernández, the scent aims to reinterpret the traditional melon accord with a darker, more sensual profile.

Market Moves

Primark UK Launches K-Beauty Mini Mart with Pureseoul

UK K-beauty specialist Pureseoul recently partnered with Primark to introduce an exclusive K-Beauty Mini Mart across Primark's UK high street stores. This collaboration aims to provide accessible Korean beauty diffusion brands to a wider consumer base.

Market Moves

Amouage Opens Jakarta Boutique, Expands Southeast Asia Presence

Omani luxury perfume house Amouage has launched its first standalone boutique in Jakarta, Indonesia. This opening at Plaza Indonesia is part of the brand's broader retail expansion strategy, focusing on Southeast Asia's luxury fragrance market.

Deals & Money

Nykaa Raises Earth Rhythm Stake by 25 Percent

FSN E-Commerce Ventures, Nykaa's parent company, increased its investment in Indian personal care brand Earth Rhythm by approximately 25 percent. This action strengthens Nykaa's portfolio of digital-first beauty and personal care brands.

Market Moves

Cosmoprof Asia 2026 Unveils 'Wanted' Campaign Before Hong Kong Event

Cosmoprof Asia will hold its 29th edition in Hong Kong across two venues in November 2026. Organizers launched a global 'Wanted' campaign to promote the event, focusing on industry innovation and new ideas across Asia-Pacific.

Policy & Regulation

SEERS mobiCARE ECG Monitor Gains Health Canada Approval

South Korean diagnostic firm SEERS received a Class II Medical Device Licence from Health Canada for its AI-powered mobiCARE wearable electrocardiogram solution. This approval, following US FDA clearance, enables the company to commercialize its device across North America.

Market Moves

Daewoong's Nabota Exceeds ₩1 Trillion Global Sales

Daewoong Pharmaceutical reports its botulinum toxin product, Nabota, has reached over ₩1 trillion ($743 million) in cumulative global sales. The company projects ₩300 billion in annual sales for this year.

People

Harmay's Jason Ju to Detail China Fragrance Shifts at Paris Summit

Jason Ju Chunmao, co-founder of Harmay Hong Kong, will speak as Guest of Honor at the Fragrance Innovation Summit in Paris on November 25, 2026. He will present insights into the evolving Chinese fragrance market, including the rise of niche brands and strategies for industry growth.

Market Moves

Cosmoprof Asia 2026 Targets 78,000, Broadens Fragrance Focus

Cosmoprof Asia will return to Hong Kong from November 10-13, 2026. Organizers expect over 78,000 visitors and more than 2,900 exhibitors. The 29th edition will expand its niche fragrance offerings and reinforce its supply chain and finished-product platforms.

Market Moves

ALPOL Cosmétique Launches Three SPF 50+ Hybrid Sunscreens

European manufacturer ALPOL Cosmétique introduced three new SPF 50+ hybrid sunscreens this year, inspired by Asian beauty trends. The company states these products combine UV protection with skincare and makeup benefits, and it invested in in-vitro testing to accelerate product development.

Market Moves

China Duty Free Group Opens Xiamen Downtown Duty-Free Store

China Duty Free Group (CDFG) inaugurated its 2,087 square meter Xiamen downtown duty-free store on September 5, 2026. This collaboration with Xiangye Group offers both duty-free and duty-paid goods, including international and domestic beauty brands.

People

L'Oréal Names Manashi Guha Country Manager for Malaysia and Singapore

L'Oréal appointed Manashi Guha to lead operations in Malaysia and Singapore. The company states this move aims to enhance leadership in two key Southeast Asian markets. Guha will focus on business integration and AI development.

Market Moves

Amorepacific's Suh Targets ₩15T Sales by 2035, Eyes Global Growth

Amorepacific Group aims for 15 trillion won ($11.1 billion) in sales by 2035. Chairman Suh Kyung-bae outlined a strategy centered on global market expansion, integrated wellness solutions, and enhanced artificial intelligence integration for growth.

Market Moves

Kao Promotes Cramer to VP EMEA, Drives Curél Europe Expansion

Japan's Kao Corporation appointed Michael Cramer as VP Professional Hair and Consumer Care Business for EMEA. This move supports Kao's strategic expansion of its Curél skincare brand across Europe, targeting significant sales growth by 2030.

Market Moves

Sulwhasoo Showcases Ginseng Heritage with Shanghai Pop-Up

Amorepacific's luxury skincare brand Sulwhasoo launched a temporary art space in Shanghai, highlighting six decades of ginseng research. The activation aims to reinforce the brand's position in China's competitive luxury skincare market.

Policy & Regulation

Beauty & Luxury: New Legal Fights Over IP, Claims, Data

Beauty and luxury companies are navigating an expanding landscape of legal disputes. Cases span intellectual property, product marketing claims, consumer privacy, and corporate governance. This trend reveals increasing scrutiny on brand assets and business practices globally.

Policy & Regulation

APR Contests Singapore HSA's Medicube Dye Recall

South Korean beauty firm APR stated its Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream contains no Sudan Red dye, challenging earlier Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) recall actions.

Market Moves

Kolmar Korea First Korean Firm at Premiere Vision Paris Cosmetic Village

South Korean cosmetics manufacturer Kolmar Korea became the first Korean beauty company to exhibit at Premiere Vision Paris, a fashion materials trade show. The event debuted a new Cosmetic Village section this year, where Kolmar Korea displayed K-beauty technology and color products.

Market Moves

Nooni Apple Lip Oil Debuts at Target US Retail

K-beauty brand Nooni launches its Apple Lip Oil in Target stores across the United States on September 6, 2026. This marks the brand's first US retail presence, focusing on color cosmetics.

Market Moves

YouTube Adds Amazon Products for Creator Commerce, Boosts Asia Reach

YouTube has added Amazon as an affiliate partner to its Shopping platform, allowing creators to tag Amazon products directly in videos and livestreams. This partnership expands YouTube's creator-led commerce, particularly in markets like India and Southeast Asia, providing beauty brands a new channel for product discovery and sales.

Market Moves

Shein Valuation Drops to $25 Billion in Hong Kong IPO

Chinese fast-fashion retailer Shein listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange this week, achieving a valuation of $25 billion. This figure represents a significant decline from its 2022 valuation of $100 billion, following years of IPO delays and market challenges.

People

DFI Retail Group Names Kshitij Mulay Chief Digital Officer

DFI Retail Group appointed Kshitij Mulay as Group Chief Digital and Yuu Rewards Officer, effective September 17. Mulay previously led digital strategy for Sephora Asia.

Policy & Regulation

China's Cyberspace Admin Removes 5.6 Million AI Content Pieces

China's Cyberspace Administration recently intensified efforts against low-quality, AI-generated content across 2,400 websites and applications, impacting platforms like WeChat, Douyin, and RedNote.

People

L'Oréal Appoints Kaustav Ghosh to Lead India Tech Hub's B2B Portfolio

L'Oréal has named Kaustav Ghosh to head its Commercial B2B portfolio at the India Technology Hub in Hyderabad. This move aims to advance omnichannel operations across the NASAPMENA region.

Market Moves

Sensai Re-enters Haircare, Expands Asia Pacific and Travel Retail

Japanese luxury brand Sensai, a Kao Group entity, has re-entered the premium hair and scalp care category. This move supports its global expansion, including new travel retail locations and market entries in Southeast Asia.

Market Moves

Shiseido Debuts Max Mara Fragrance, Plans Asia Pacific Expansion

Japanese beauty group Shiseido launched Max Mara's first new fragrance, Le Parfum, under a long-term license agreement. The company states this move aims to strengthen its global fragrance business and targets strategic growth in Asia Pacific, China, and Japan in the coming years.

Market Moves

Shiseido Launches Max Mara Fragrance Globally, Expands Prestige Portfolio

Shiseido introduced Max Mara Le Parfum across more than 50 markets, marking the first product from its licensing agreement with the Italian fashion house. This launch strengthens Shiseido's position in the prestige fragrance sector.

People

Yonsei Prof Ha Jong-won: First Korean at Mayo Clinic Cardiac Rounds

Professor Ha Jong-won of Yonsei University College of Medicine will deliver an invited lecture at the Mayo Clinic on September 9. This marks the first time a Korean cardiologist has been invited to speak at the institution's Cardiac Imaging Grand Rounds.

Market Moves

Korean Sky Labs Boosts Global Rollout of Cuffless BP Monitors

Sky Labs, a South Korean digital health firm, expects faster international market entry for its cuffless blood pressure monitoring technology. The company reports growing clinical evidence and rapid adoption in Korea drive interest from global partners.

Market Moves

Mao Geping Cosmetics Revenue Grows 26.2% to RMB3.27 Billion

Chinese beauty firm Mao Geping Cosmetics reported a 26.2% revenue increase to RMB3.27 billion for the first half of 2026. Earnings rose by approximately 20%.

Policy & Regulation

EU Levy Slashes Shein, Temu Shipments by Up to 40%

The European Union's new levy on low-value imports has reduced parcel volumes from Asian e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu by an estimated 30% to 40%. This measure impacts sales and raises compliance concerns for products, including cosmetics, entering the bloc.

Market Moves

Ulta Beauty Q2 Sales Hit $3B, CEO: K-Beauty Not 'Fast Fashion'

Ulta Beauty reported an 8.9% net sales increase to $3 billion in Q2 2026, partly due to K-beauty growth. However, CEO Kecia Steelman cautioned against viewing K-beauty as a 'fast fashion' trend, stating the retailer's increased focus on markets like China.

Market Moves

Innocean Wins Tweezerman for US Generative Engine Optimisation

Korean advertising firm Innocean Worldwide has expanded its US client base, securing beauty tools brand Tweezerman for generative engine optimization services. The company is also consolidating its US operations into a single campus in El Segundo, California, aiming to improve cross-functional collaboration.

Market Moves

LG H&H Places Dr.Groot Hair Care in 424 US Sephora Stores

LG Household & Health Care expanded its Dr.Groot scalp care brand into 424 Sephora stores across the United States. This move follows an earlier online launch and a smaller retail trial.

Market Moves

Seoul Enacts Legislation to Accelerate K-Beauty Industry Growth

South Korea passed landmark legislation designed to support its K-beauty industry this week. This coincides with KKR acquiring Japanese beauty platform Ci FLAVORS, and LG H&H expanding its Dr.Groot brand into 424 US Sephora stores. Major US retailers, including Ulta Beauty and Walmart, also reported strong second-quarter results and raised financial outlooks, while leadership changes and M&A activity continued globally.

Deals & Money

KKR Acquires Japan's Ci Flavors Group

Global investment firm KKR has purchased Japanese cosmetics group Ci Flavors from its current shareholders. The transaction includes continued investment from Ci Flavors' founder and CEO, with KKR planning to support further market expansion.

Policy & Regulation

India Probes Givaudan, dsm-firmenich, IFF Over Price Collusion

India's Competition Commission has launched a new antitrust investigation into Givaudan, dsm-firmenich, and International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF). The probe concerns alleged price collusion within the Indian fragrance industry, separate from an existing inquiry.

Deals & Money

Regent Buys Avon North America, LG H&H Exits

Global investment firm Regent has acquired Avon North America from South Korean conglomerate LG H&H. This transaction unifies Avon’s North American and international businesses under single ownership, a structure not seen since 2016. LG H&H stated its intent to focus on global K-beauty and retail initiatives following the divestment.

Market Moves

Shinsegae Group Splits SSG.com, Shinsegae Mall to Host Beauty E-commerce

Shinsegae Group’s e-commerce platform SSG.com is dividing its operations. A new entity, Shinsegae Mall, will manage fashion, beauty, and lifestyle categories, while SSG.com focuses on groceries. This move reverses a 2019 consolidation strategy for increased specialization.

Market Moves

Dubai's Armaf Boosts Global Travel Retail, Debuts Club De Nuit Intense Overdose

Dubai-born fragrance company Armaf is increasing its focus on global travel retail with the launch of new products, including Club De Nuit Intense Overdose. The brand claims it sells one fragrance every second worldwide and is supported by a global campaign featuring Indian actor John Abraham.

Deals & Money

Proya Acquires Flower Knows, Targets International Growth

Chinese beauty giant Proya has acquired Flower Knows, a domestic cosmetics brand recognized for its distinctive product designs. Proya states it plans to expand Flower Knows' reported international presence.

Market Moves

Vaseline Rebrands Social Name to 'Baseline' After Korean Creator Min Day's Viral Pronunciation

Unilever's Vaseline brand recently updated its social media display name to 'Baseline'. This change follows a viral video by Korean beauty content creator Min Day, whose pronunciation of the brand name gained significant online traction across global platforms.

Market Moves

Lee Moonwon Clinic Secures Government Funding for Hair Loss R&D

Seoul's Lee Moonwon Korean Medicine Clinic received government funding to expand its research and development initiatives for hair loss treatments, supporting its global patient base expansion.

Market Moves

Cosmax Joins Universitas Padjadjaran for Indonesia's First Cosmetics Science Degree

Korean ODM Cosmax announced its participation in Indonesia's inaugural undergraduate cosmetics science program at Universitas Padjadjaran, aiming to foster local R&D talent and utilize native biological resources for new beauty ingredients.

Market Moves

Kao Expands Curél to Nordic Markets, Targets 2030 Revenue Growth

Japanese cosmetics firm Kao will launch its Curél dry skin care brand in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland starting September 2026. This expansion aims to significantly increase Curél's international revenue contribution by 2030, following previous launches across Europe and Brazil.

Market Moves

Kolmar Korea Showcases ODM Technology at Seoul Beauty Week

Kolmar Korea, a South Korean cosmetics original development manufacturer, highlights its R&D and production capabilities at 2026 Seoul Beauty Week. The company presents a "24-hour beauty routine" theme, featuring advanced skincare, sun care, and cleansing technologies.

Deals & Money

K-Beauty Market Heats Up: Silicon2 Lands KRW300bn Investment, Amorepacific Expands India Reach

CVC Capital invested KRW300 billion in K-beauty distributor Silicon2, signaling continued interest in Asia's beauty supply chain. Amorepacific expanded its brand portfolio in India, while Chinese brand PROYA entered the US prestige skincare market. Simultaneously, a US court upheld the end of the de minimis tariff exemption, impacting Asian beauty exporters.

Deals & Money

KKR Acquires Japanese Beauty Platform Ci Flavors

Global investment firm KKR has purchased Japan-based beauty and lifestyle company Ci Flavors. The transaction marks L Catterton's exit from its 2022 investment in the platform.

CDFG & Hainan Airlines Integrate In-Flight with Duty-Free Shopping in Hainan
Market Moves

CDFG & Hainan Airlines Integrate In-Flight with Duty-Free Shopping in Hainan

China Duty Free Group (CDFG) and Hainan Airlines have formed a partnership to integrate in-flight activities with duty-free purchasing in Hainan. This initiative aims to boost passenger spending and test a new "duty-free + tourism" retail model.

Market Moves

Thai Brand Panpuri Opens First Mainland China Store, Expands Asia Retail

Panpuri, a Thai niche fragrance brand, has launched its inaugural store in Mainland China at Shanghai’s HKRI Taikoo Hui. This opening is a key part of the brand's broader plan to establish 16 new stores across Asia this year, with a focus on markets including Japan.

Market Moves

Kao Expands Curél Skincare to Nordic Markets, Targets 50% Overseas Sales by 2030

Japanese beauty conglomerate Kao Corporation will launch its Curél skincare brand in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland from September. This expansion supports Kao's stated goal of generating 50% of its total sales from international markets by 2030, reinforcing its European presence.

Market Moves

Proya Secures US Retail Entry with Ulta Beauty Deal

Chinese beauty firm Proya Cosmetics Co will launch two key product lines in 400 Ulta Beauty stores and online across the USA starting November this year. This agreement marks Proya's stated move into wider international operations and global brand building.

Deals & Money

Regent Acquires Avon North America, Unifying Global Operations

Regent has agreed to acquire Avon North America from LG H&H, consolidating Avon's major businesses under a single owner. This move reunites Avon's global operations for the first time since 2016 and allows LG H&H to concentrate on its K-beauty and wellness portfolio.

Market Moves

Clarins Appoints Chinese Actress Zhang Ziyi for Precious Skincare Global Role

Clarins has named Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi as the global spokesperson for its premium Precious skincare line. A new campaign featuring Ziyi will launch in September.

Market Moves

CG MedTech H1 Consolidated Profit Drops 77% Despite Sales Growth

South Korean orthopedic and dental implant maker CG MedTech reported a significant decline in first-half consolidated operating profit. This occurred despite an increase in consolidated sales, as the company absorbed costs from new subsidiaries and business expansion investments.

Market Moves

Loft Re-Enters Hong Kong Beauty Retail with Moko Pop-Up

Japanese lifestyle retailer Loft has returned to the Hong Kong market, opening a year-long pop-up store at Moko shopping centre. Local partner Yaichi operates the outlet, which offers over 3,500 products including cosmetics from Japanese brand Vim Beauty.

Policy & Regulation

China’s New Mandatory Cosmetics Safety Standard Effective 2028

China will implement new mandatory national safety standards for cosmetics on January 1, 2028. These rules, issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation, target microbial and heavy metal limits, with significantly stricter requirements for children's products.

People

in-cosmetics Asia Extends 9 Faces Awards Nomination Deadline

in-cosmetics Asia has prolonged the nomination period for its 9 Faces of the APAC Beauty Industry Awards 2026, setting a new deadline of Monday, September 14.

Market Moves

L'Oréal, NUS Medicine Establish Skin Longevity Research Partnership in Singapore

L'Oréal Groupe and NUS Medicine have launched a multi-year research partnership in Singapore to investigate the links between skin aging and broader biological aging. This collaboration aims to develop evidence-backed approaches for healthy skin, scalp, and hair aging.

Market Moves

L'Oréal Groupe, NUS Medicine Partner for Longevity Research in Asia

L'Oréal Groupe has formed a multi-year research partnership with the National University of Singapore (NUS) Medicine. The collaboration will examine longevity science and skin's role in healthy aging, aiming to inform future product development for skin, scalp, and hair.

Market Moves

dsm-firmenich Sues Chinese Entities Over Biotech Sclareol Patent

dsm-firmenich has filed a patent infringement lawsuit in China against multiple entities. The action concerns the biotechnology-based production of sclareol, a key fragrance ingredient.

Market Moves

Estée Lauder Companies Reworks Makeup Strategy, Eyes Asia for Growth

Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) reported flat make-up sales for fiscal year 2026. CEO Stéphane de La Faverie outlined strategies to improve profitability, including expanding distribution channels and accelerating innovation, while prioritizing growth in Asia-Pacific markets like China and South Korea.

Market Moves

GDF Plaza Launches New Hainan Duty-Free Loyalty Programme

Hainan Development Holdings’ GDF Plaza launched an August campaign to increase loyalty among Hainan residents. The initiative, following a July event, features exclusive promotions, entertainment, and a monthly collectible rewards program. This strategy aims to drive local spending within the island's duty-free market.

Deals & Money

Silicon2 Secures KRW300 Billion from CVC Capital for Logistics Expansion

South Korean beauty distributor Silicon2 received a KRW300 billion investment from CVC Capital Partners. This funding aims to strengthen its international distribution network for K-beauty brands across multiple regions.

Market Moves

PROYA Launches US Skincare Line at Ulta Beauty

Chinese brand PROYA will introduce its Advanced Firming and Original Repair skincare collections at Ulta Beauty in November 2026. This move represents a strategic step in Proya Cosmetics' international expansion into the US prestige market.

Market Moves

La Mer's 'Escape to Tranquillity' Campaign Engages VIPs, Hotel Partners in Asia Pacific Travel Retai

La Mer, an Estée Lauder Companies brand, conducted its 'Escape to Tranquillity' campaign across Asia Pacific travel retail locations in July. The initiative focused on VIP engagements and hotel partnerships to promote its skincare rituals and exclusive sets.

Market Moves

Shiseido Identifies Ring Collagen for Facial Firmness & Anti-Sagging

Japanese beauty company Shiseido states it has identified a ring-shaped collagen structure, named Ring Collagen, which it claims helps maintain facial shape and prevent age-related sagging. The company reports this discovery was made around vellus hairs and sebaceous glands, forming a network that generates tension in the skin.

Market Moves

DFI Retail Group Secures GNC Franchise for Singapore, Macau

DFI Retail Group will serve as the exclusive wholesaler, distributor, and franchisee for GNC health and wellness products in Singapore and Macau, starting the fourth quarter of 2026.

Market Moves

Cartier Opens Relocated Boutique at Shenzhen Bao’an Airport with CDFG

Cartier has opened its redesigned boutique at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport in partnership with China Duty Free Group. The new store in Terminal 3 aims to enhance the luxury retail presence at the busy Chinese aviation hub.

Market Moves

in-cosmetics Asia 2026 to Launch Fragrance Zone, Targets 770 Exhibitors

The 2026 in-cosmetics Asia trade show in Bangkok will introduce a new Fragrance Zone, with organizer RX Global anticipating over 770 companies will attend. This expansion reflects growth in Asia-Pacific's $5 billion fragrance ingredients market.

Market Moves

Cocokind Founder Priscilla Tsai's K-Beauty Mimitime Collagen Jelly Launches at Target

Cocokind founder Priscilla Tsai and creator Ava Lee introduced Mimitime, a marine collagen-infused konjac jelly brand. Developed with Korean suppliers, the line launches at Target, targeting the US beauty ingestibles market.

Market Moves

Celltrion Vegzelma Biosimilar Captures 10.6% US Market Share After Comparability Analysis

Korean biopharmaceutical company Celltrion reports its Vegzelma biosimilar captured 10.6% of the U.S. market as of May. This follows the publication of an integrated pharmacokinetic analysis supporting the product's comparability to its reference drug.

Market Moves

Amorepacific’s Mamonde Unveils Sun Care Line Claiming 24-Hour Makeup Support

Amorepacific’s Mamonde brand has introduced two new sun care products, Flora Glow Rose UV Protector and Pore Control Peony UV Protector. The company claims these formulations support makeup wear for up to 24 hours while providing UV protection.