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