Briefing.
The day's business of Asian beauty, market moves, deals, regulation, and people, reported and checked by our newsroom.
Korean Niche Fragrance Brand BornToStandOut Enters China
Seoul-based niche perfumery BornToStandOut partners with Shenzhen Zeying Fashion Group to expand its retail footprint across key Chinese cities.
Pitti Fragranze 2026 Draws 290 Exhibitors, 2,200 Professionals
The 24th edition of the Florence-based niche perfume fair in September welcomed nearly 600 international buyers from over 50 countries, emphasizing human connection in a crowded market.
ZIIP Launches Skincare Line, Priced from £39.99
The Beauty Tech Group's ZIIP introduced four targeted serum and moisturiser pillars, plus a foaming cleanser. JVN Hair also launched its first foam styling product.
Michael Kors TikTok Shop Sales Quadruple Expectations
The brand's social commerce push targets Gen Z ahead of Black Friday, despite an 8.6% quarterly revenue decline.
NYSCC Education Night Features Bobbi Brown, $225,000 in Grants
The New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists will host the entrepreneur and makeup artist on November 19, 2026, also distributing over $225,000 in scholarships for cosmetic science.
Dr.Jart+ Names Yoonchae Jeung First North America Brand Ambassador
The Estée Lauder Companies-owned K-beauty brand appointed South Korean singer Yoonchae Jeung, 18, to lead its reformulated Premium BB Cream campaign in North America.
China Duty Free International Expands Hong Kong Retail, Promotes China Chic
China Duty Free International (CDFI) launched a pop-up store in Hong Kong's Causeway Bay, partnering with Chinese IP brand 52TOYS to diversify its international business and promote "China Chic" products globally.
Estée Lauder, Microsoft AI to Boost Global Operations
The beauty group will integrate artificial intelligence across its global operations, aiming to enhance consumer understanding and streamline workflows for 14,000 employees.
Extime Duty Free Showcases French Fragrance at Paris CDG
Travel retailer Extime Duty Free highlights French beauty brands like Chanel and Dior at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, responding to consumer demand for local provenance.
South Korea's APR Doubles Q3 Revenue on Strong Western Demand
The beauty company reported 773.1 billion won in quarterly revenue, driven by a 135 percent surge in overseas sales, particularly in North America and Europe.
Coptis Unveils AI Tools for Cosmetic R&D, Compliance
The software publisher introduced Purple, a "Prompt-to-Formula" agent, and Document Reader at its Paris Users Club on October 13, 2026, aiming to accelerate product development.
Dove Launches First Fine Fragrance, US$19.57 Direct-to-Consumer
Unilever's personal care brand Dove introduced its first fine fragrance on 27 October 2026, sold exclusively online for US$19.57 in a limited-edition release.
Artbox Global Expansion Hits 57 Stores, Eyes US, Faces Profit Squeeze
The South Korean lifestyle retailer, known for character goods, saw revenue rise to 269.7 billion won in 2025, but operating profit declined 20.1% last year as global expansion costs mounted.
Scent Beauty, Givaudan Launch Tate 01 Fragrance Line
New York-based Scent Beauty, Inc. has partnered with Givaudan master perfumers to introduce "Tate 01," a new fragrance line with Canadian artist Tate McRae, available from USD30.
Brazilian Ingredient Firms Eye Asia at In-Cosmetics Bangkok
Beautycare Brazil will coordinate the group's participation at the November 3-5 event, aiming to connect with Asia-Pacific formulators and expand market presence.
Dyson £419.99 Oral Care Device Shows Category Shift
Dyson's AI-powered Camerjet toothbrush, featuring a camera and water jet, marks a significant moment as oral care increasingly focuses on health efficacy and advanced design.
Unilever Q3 2026 Sales Up 5.2%, Beauty and Personal Care Drive Growth
Unilever's Q3 2026 turnover reached €13.3 billion, with 5.2% underlying sales growth from Beauty & Personal Care. Emerging markets, including Asia, showed strong performance.
Hallstar: Ex-President Hu Admits Trade Secret Theft for Proscien
Robert Hu, Hallstar's former Beauty & Personal Care president, admitted to using confidential information to develop rival Proscien's product lines and build distributor networks in China and South Korea.
Korea Commits ₩150 Billion to Biotech, Biomaterials Firms
Seoul's K-Pharma Bio Frontier initiative commits ₩150 billion to 200 small to medium enterprises through 2030, offering up to five years of assistance to overcome funding barriers.
Aestura Drives Amorepacific Q3 Profit Up 24.7 Percent
The South Korean beauty conglomerate reported 1.21 trillion won in consolidated revenue for the third quarter, with its dermatological skincare brand Aestura leading global sales growth.
Amorepacific Vitalbeautie Promotes Oral Retinol in Seoul Pop-Up
Amorepacific's Vitalbeautie brand is showcasing its new Super Retinol Jelly at a sauna-themed pop-up store in Seoul's Seongsu-dong neighborhood, running until November 3.
Joy Group's Judydoll Enters Turkey Retail with Gratis and Trendyol
The Chinese color cosmetics brand will feature in over 300 Gratis stores and launch on the Trendyol e-commerce platform, marking its strategic entry into the European market.
Personal Care Magazine Exhibits at in-cosmetics Asia, Launches Book
The publication will showcase its latest resources and debut its Little Book of Natural Ingredients Volume 6 at Bangkok's BITEC, also co-hosting the 9 Faces of APAC Beauty Awards.
CPL Aromas Debuts Forest, Tang Scents at Notes Shanghai 2026
The fragrance house presented collections inspired by Japanese forest bathing and China's Tang Dynasty, alongside expanded AromaSpace™ technology.
MOHW Consolidates Cosmetics Support into KHIDI
South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare reduced its agencies from 47 to 39, integrating cosmetics and regenerative medicine support into KHIDI.
TWG Tea Opens 2,400 Sq Ft Macau Flagship
The Singaporean luxury tea brand introduces its combined retail, dining, and takeaway concept to Studio City Macau, following a major travel retail flagship launch in Singapore earlier this month.
US FDA Approves Bemotrizinol for SPF, Brands Launch New Products
This marks the first new active ingredient approval for US over-the-counter sunscreens since 1999, permitting concentrations up to 6% of Bemotrizinol.
Beiersdorf H1 2026 Sales Fall 3.5%, NIVEA Plans €100 Million Boost
The German beauty giant reported €4.95 billion in organic sales for the first half of 2026, as its Derma brands Eucerin and Aquaphor saw strong growth.
LVMH Beauty, Lotte Duty Free Deepen Asia Pacific Travel Retail Ties
The luxury group and Korean retailer met in Cannes on September 29 to plan future growth and customer initiatives across the region, reinforcing their long-term commitment.
Kolmar Korea, Goodai Global Partnership Sells 100 Million Suncare Units
The five-year collaboration between the Korean cosmetics manufacturer and beauty company reached this milestone in March, driven by global demand for lightweight, multi-benefit suncare products.
Charlotte Tilbury Opens First Southeast Asia Flagship in Jakarta
The American beauty brand's debut store at Plaza Indonesia features the region's first Pillow Talk Beauty Bar, with a public opening set for December 3.
Amazon Global Selling Korea Targets $1M Sales for 50 K-Beauty Brands
Amazon Global Selling Korea unveiled four new projects at Amazon Beauty in Seoul 2026, aiming to expand K-beauty's presence in the US and facilitate entry into Europe by 2027.
Jennifer Lawrence Launches Mes Hair Care, Targets Prestige Market
Actress Jennifer Lawrence has introduced Mes, a new direct-to-consumer hair-care brand with products priced from $34 to $52, entering a competitive celebrity beauty sector increasingly scrutinized by consumers.
Aeon’s Health and Beauty Sales Drive H1 FY2026 Growth
Japanese retail conglomerate Aeon reported an almost 87% year-on-year sales increase for its health and wellness division, which accounted for 22% of total revenue in the first half of fiscal 2026.
Good American Draws Influencer Criticism for NYC Pop-Up Event
The denim brand's recent New York City pop-up generated significant online criticism from content creators who reported feeling misled by event invitations. The incident highlights communication challenges in brand-influencer partnerships.
Armani Beauty Unveils 'I Will' Fragrance, First New Pillar in Two Decades
L'Oréal-licensed Armani Beauty launched its 'I Will' men's fragrance, its first new pillar in 20 years, supported by 'The Power of Will' video series featuring actor Jonathan Bailey.
L'Oréal Q3 Sales Rise, Asia Travel Retail Shows Growth
The French beauty group reported €11.6 billion in third-quarter sales, up +7.7% on an adjusted like-for-like basis, with strong performance noted in South Korea and Hainan travel retail.
Selfridges UK: 2026 Global Holiday Campaign Features City Experiences
The luxury British department store chain is transforming its London, Manchester, and Birmingham locations with international city experiences, including new dining concepts and theatrical performances.
Hyundai Glovis, Shopee Korea Launch K-Beauty Export Service
The integrated logistics platform, introduced this month, aims to streamline shipping, customs, and fulfillment for Korean cosmetics brands targeting 700 million users across Southeast Asia.
L'Oréal Nine-Month Sales Hit €35.33bn, SAPMENA Leads Growth
The beauty giant achieved 7.7% reported sales growth for the first nine months of 2026, driven by professional hair care and dermatological beauty, with South Asia Pacific, Middle East, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa as the fastest-growing region.
P&G Beauty Division Sees 6% Revenue Growth in Q1
Procter & Gamble reported US$4.41 billion in beauty revenues for the quarter ending September 30, 2026, as overall net sales rose 4% to US$23.3 billion.
SharkNinja Expands Creator Programs, Offers 15% Commissions
SharkNinja introduced "First Fans" for its 4,100 global employees and "SharkNinja Storytellers" for consumers on October 20, aiming to boost holiday shopping content engagement.
P&G Reports US$23.3 Billion Q1 2027 Sales, Beauty Division Up 5%
Procter & Gamble's overall sales increased 4% for its first fiscal quarter of 2027. The beauty segment, including Olay and Herbal Essences, saw its organic sales rise by 5%, driven by strong hair care demand.
CPL Aromas Debuts RESONANCE Fragrance Concept
The new concept, unveiled at BeautyWorld Middle East 2026 in Dubai, translates six universal emotional states into distinct olfactory profiles.
Babor Beauty Group Marks 70th Anniversary, Targets Gen Z in Travel Retail
The German luxury skincare brand will launch its Hydration & Electrolyte line in January 2027, featuring accessible messaging and colorful packaging to attract younger traveling consumers.
Puig Reports €1.39 Billion Record Q3 Revenue, APAC Leads Growth
The Spanish beauty group's nine-month revenue reached €3.74 billion, with makeup as its fastest-growing segment and Asia-Pacific leading regional expansion.
Bogart Sells April Cosmetics Israel to Konckier
French cosmetics group Bogart divested its 47-store April Cosmetics and Perfumes Store Chain in Israel to a company owned by its CEO, David Konckier.
Community-Built Djerf Avenue Debuts First Manhattan Store
After establishing a strong online presence since 2019, Matilda Djerf's apparel brand Djerf Avenue has opened its first permanent physical store at 25 Bond Street in Manhattan in late 2026.
China Duty Free Haikou Reports +32.8% Visitor Increase
The cdf Haikou complex welcomed 4.69 million visitors by October 18, 2026, as it marks its fourth anniversary with extensive promotions and new policy benefits.
Clinique Names Ex-Mattel Executive Global Marketing SVP
The Estée Lauder Companies appointed Krista Lee Berger as Senior Vice President, Global Marketing for Clinique, tasking her with global brand strategy and innovation.
INSERM Study Links Cosmetic Chemicals to Child Neurodevelopment
Research published October 20 found prenatal exposure to phthalates and bisphenols, common in beauty products, correlated with a 2.86-point average IQ decrease in children.
Unilever Divests Welly, Focuses on Beauty Portfolio
The move sees the first-aid brand, acquired in 2021, sold to private-equity firm Forward Consumer Partners as Unilever streamlines its global operations.
Puig Posts €1.39 Billion Q3 Revenue, Asia-Pacific Strongest Region
The beauty group Puig reported record net revenues of €1.39 billion for the third quarter of 2026, with the Asia-Pacific market achieving 12.9% like-for-like growth.
Strong Won Dents K-Beauty Stocks Despite Record Exports
South Korean cosmetics exports reached a record $11.1 billion in the first nine months of this year, a 31.1 percent increase, yet shares of major beauty companies like APR and d'Alba Global have seen significant declines.
Milan Luxury Retailers Boost Security as Troops Deploy
Chanel and Dior removed window displays in Milan's Via Montenapoleone as Italy prepares to deploy 500 additional troops following weekend protests.
Forever New Reports $400 Million Revenue, Expands Asia Presence
Australian fashion retailer Forever New, marking 20 years, has grown annual revenue to $400 million and is broadening its product range for international markets including Asia.
Cosmax Group Expands Microbiome Research with Mass General Brigham
Korean cosmetics firm Cosmax Group extended its VIVA Project with Harvard-affiliated Mass General Brigham on October 13, pushing into functional food ingredients and drug development.
Alfresa Launches Stem Cell Skincare in South Korea with Jenecell
Japanese pharmaceutical firm Alfresa enters South Korea's premium skincare market via Jenecell, partnering with Healios for stem cell culture supernatant and Cosmax for manufacturing.
Watsons Malaysia Opens 888th Store, Country's Largest Health and Beauty Retailer
The new Watsons Plus outlet in Bukit Bintang spans over 18,000 square feet, marking a significant milestone in the retailer's three decades of operation in Malaysia.
CCE to Train on EU Cosmetic Safety Rules in Q4 2026
Cosmetics Consultants Europe will conduct two virtual training sessions in November and December 2026, focusing on product safety assessment and EU regulatory compliance.
Max & Mace Fragrance Projects US$50,000 First-Year Revenue
Founder Joshua Peagler launched the New York-based brand in February 2026 with US$20,000 in personal capital, expanding its scent range from four to seven.
Douglas Group Names Jean-Marc Bellaiche Chief Executive Officer
Bellaiche will begin his four-year tenure on November 1, 2026, succeeding Sander van der Laan, who is retiring after four years with the European beauty retailer.
Solabia Appoints Muriel Koch as CEO, Shifts Focus to Cosmetics
The European ingredient supplier, backed by Astorg, will divest its microbiology diagnostics division to concentrate on beauty, nutrition, and life sciences markets.
Lubrizol Boosts Singapore Lab for Asia-Pacific R&D
The chemical supplier's Jurong facility adds new synthesis, analytical, and physical science capabilities, announced October 13, 2026, to accelerate customer solutions.
Swire, CTG Duty Free Unveil 210,000 Sq M Sanya Retail Hub
The CDF Taikoo Li Sanya, a joint venture in Hainan, China, will open in phases from later this year, combining duty-free and duty-paid shopping with wellness offerings.
Galderma Buys ZO Skin Health for US$1.5 Billion, Boosts Aesthetics
The all-cash acquisition, expected to close by early 2027, adds a US physician-dispensed skincare brand with US$330 million in net sales to Galderma's portfolio.
Pure Beauty Awards 2026 Crowns Asian Brands, Laneige and Atomy Win
The London ceremony, marking 25 years, introduced a dual judging process across 21 categories, recognizing both industry expertise and consumer appeal.
Cosmax Expands US K-Beauty Influencer Ties After Subsidiary Profit
The South Korean cosmetics manufacturer co-hosted an awards event in New York on October 15, 2026, aiming to deepen partnerships with North American creators after its US unit turned profitable this year.
Rhode AI Concept Reveals Consumer Desire for Beauty Brands
A viral AI concept for Hunter boots with a Rhode lip gloss holder shows how digital mockups can reveal consumer desires, posing both opportunities and risks for beauty retailers.
Gap Inc. Beauty Executive John Demsey Departs
John Demsey, a former Estée Lauder executive, advised Gap Inc. on its beauty strategy since 2025, overseeing growth in Old Navy's offerings and Gap's fragrance line.
Galderma Buys ZO Skin Health for US$1.5 Billion
LVMH also reported higher third-quarter beauty sales, and CJ Olive Young expanded K-beauty distribution in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.
L'Occitane Group Marks 50 Years with London Book Launch
Chairman and CEO Reinold Geiger joined author Anna Nicholas in London to present "Entrepreneurs by Nature," a book detailing the beauty group's global expansion.
Dior Leads Paris Fashion Week EMV, Thai Actresses Drive 56%
Paris Fashion Week Spring 2027 generated $795.8 million in earned media value, with Dior contributing 91% of the growth. Thai actresses Orm Kornnaphat and Lingling Kwong were key to Dior's success, generating 56% of its EMV.
Proya Opens European R&D Center in Paris
China's Proya Cosmetics launched its European innovation center laboratory in Paris yesterday. The new facility will focus on skin longevity, biomechanics, and sustainable ingredient research.
Boots Secures One-Third of UK Beauty Search Share
New data from SEO agency MediaVision shows Boots leading its rivals, including Superdrug and Sephora, in online brand searches for the UK beauty sector from May to August 2026.
Givenchy, Rhode Make Cosmetics Public Fashion Accessories
Luxury and mass-market brands are transforming beauty products into visible accessories, a trend amplified by Rhode's 2024 lip gloss phone case and seen at Givenchy's October 2026 Paris Fashion Week show.
EU Green Claims Directive Affects Beauty Brands Since September 27
The new European Union rules demand scientific substantiation for environmental assertions, impacting product labeling and marketing for companies exporting to the bloc.
SME Minister Visits Kolmar Korea Amid Rising K-Beauty Exports
South Korea's Minister of SMEs and Startups visited Kolmar Korea's Sejong plant to discuss supporting K-beauty brands, as the nation's cosmetics exports reached $7.34 billion in the first half of 2026.
Musinsa Opens Seoul Pop-Up with Zozotown for Japanese Brands
The South Korean retailer's collaboration brings 15 labels to Musinsa Store Seongsu, running until October 31, 2026, building on its existing platform for Korean beauty products in Japan.
LVMH, Coty, Nykaa Name New Executives Amid Strategic Shifts
Global beauty groups LVMH and Coty appoint operational and financial leads, while India's Nykaa strengthens its quick commerce leadership to meet evolving consumer demands.
Vichy Laboratoires Names Paris Saint-Germain Official Skin Care Partner
The L'Oréal-owned brand expands its sports marketing efforts, building on a collaboration with PSG midfielder Vitinha earlier this year.
Djerf Avenue Opens NYC Flagship, Expands Beauty Offerings
The Swedish lifestyle brand, known for its reported $36 million in annual sales, launched its inaugural physical store in Manhattan's NoHo neighborhood this fall, diversifying into skin and hair care.
Bogart Sells April Cosmetics, CEO Buys It for €5.8 Million
French beauty group Bogart divested its April Cosmetics and Perfumes Store Chain Ltd. to a company owned by its CEO, David Konckier, for 20.147 million shekels, aiming to strengthen its financial position.
Lush to Exit 10 Australian Westfield Stores
The British cosmetics retailer cites growth ambitions for its phased withdrawal as leases expire, following past campaigns that prompted landlord disputes.
Bluemercury Appoints Stacie Borteck Dattner Merchandising VP
Luxury beauty retailer Bluemercury has named Stacie Borteck Dattner as its new Vice President and General Merchandise Manager for Merchandising, effective today, 12 October 2026.
Humedix Spotlights Elravie Derma Cosmetics at K-Beauty Expo 2026
Humedix, an aesthetic arm of Huons Group, showcased its elravie derma cosmetic range at K-Beauty Expo Korea 2026, seeking to expand international distribution for its functional skincare products.
Lyaxome Sells 1,500 Premium Devices in Korea, Plans Asia Expansion
The K Kin brand, operated by Culture & Commerce, generated 1.14 billion won in sales from its multi-function ultrasound and radiofrequency device, which includes exosome ampoules.
Baemin, Coupang Eats: 30-Min K-Beauty Delivery
New partnerships with discount retailers like Off Beauty enable 30-minute service, challenging CJ Olive Young's established quick commerce offerings in South Korea.
Givaudan Exceeds Forecasts With CHF 5.89 Billion Sales
Swiss ingredient supplier Givaudan reported sales of CHF 5.89 billion for the first nine months of 2026, surpassing analyst forecasts with a 5.2% like-for-like increase.
Sol de Janeiro Partners Channel 4 for Five-Part Micro Drama
Fragrance brand Sol de Janeiro, owned by L’Occitane, will launch "The Guest List," a five-part digital series, on UK broadcaster Channel 4's social platforms from 24 October.
Kimberly-Clark's Kenvue Acquisition Gains EU Approval
The European Union greenlit the $48.7 billion deal after Kimberly-Clark agreed to divest feminine hygiene brands to maintain competition in key European markets.
BASF Prepares Higher Evonik Bid After €10.3 Billion Offer Rejected
German chemical giant BASF is expected to revise its takeover proposal for rival Evonik, following the rejection of its initial €10.3 billion ($11.6 billion as of September 2026) offer.
Newman & Showman Sell £6m Beauty Tech Group Shares
CEO Laurence Newman and CTO Andrew Showman divested 1.5 million shares after the company's stock rose 57.6 percent since its October 2025 London listing.
Medicube US Sales Up 85% on Amazon, Debuts in Europe
Korean beauty brand Medicube achieved record daily sales for skincare and devices during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, marking its debut in five European markets.
e.l.f. Beauty Directs US$50 Million Tariff Refund to Pricing, Marketing
The cosmetics firm will lower prices on 10 percent of its portfolio and increase brand awareness efforts in the UK, Canada, and Germany.
LVMH Q3 Organic Growth Slows to 1%, China Market Affects Beauty
LVMH recorded €57.1 billion in revenue for the first nine months of 2026, with its Perfumes & Cosmetics division experiencing flat organic growth amidst a less active China market.
LVMH Beauty and Sephora Sales Rise 1% in Q3 2026
The luxury conglomerate reported €2.01 billion in Perfumes & Cosmetics revenue for the quarter, driven by strong brand performance and Sephora's market expansion.
Glossy+ Survey: 75% Rise in Creator Marketing for Beauty Brands
A Q3 2026 Glossy+ Research survey found 75% of agencies see creator marketing as more vital for beauty brands, with retail media networks emerging as a key channel for authentic content.
Dongkook Pharma Renames DK Centellian: Global Health, Beauty Push
The Korean firm's board approved the name change on October 12, 2026, signaling a strategic shift beyond traditional pharma into broader health and beauty markets worldwide.
Creed Opens Manchester Boutique, First UK Store Outside London
L'Oréal Luxe-owned fragrance house Creed launched a 525 square foot standalone store in Manchester, extending its regional presence in the UK.