Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the trend of "medical-research co-creation" in the domestic beauty industry, highlighting that while this concept is gaining traction, it is still in its infancy in China, lacking clear implementation standards. The German skincare brand Eucerin has set a precedent with its comprehensive approach to medical-research co-creation over its 125-year history [3][6]. Group 1: Eucerin's Achievements - Eucerin showcased its advancements at the 34th European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) with three thematic satellite sessions and 18 academic posters, particularly highlighting the publication of the "International Consensus on Pigment Management," which includes the patented ingredient Thiamidol® in global treatment recommendations [4][24]. - Eucerin's practice serves as a practical guide for the Chinese beauty industry, demonstrating a successful model of medical-research co-creation [6][21]. - The brand has built a robust medical-research co-creation system, which is recognized as a competitive advantage, rooted in its unique scientific brand heritage established in 1900 [7][11]. Group 2: Research and Development - Eucerin has established a standard medical-research co-creation pathway consisting of clinical insights, product development, and efficacy evaluation, successfully navigating these core stages [12][16]. - The brand collaborates closely with thousands of dermatology experts globally and holds over 1,500 effective patents, investing more than €200 million annually in research and development [16][38]. - The efficacy of Thiamidol® has been validated through over 120 clinical studies involving more than 9,000 participants across 28 countries, proving its effectiveness for all skin types [16][29]. Group 3: Localization in China - Eucerin has effectively localized its medical-research co-creation model in China, launching the second-generation Eucerin Brightening Essence with dual certifications for "whitening" and "new ingredient registration" [19][40]. - The product development involved extensive collaboration with local dermatologists and consumer research, addressing the specific needs of Chinese consumers [19][42]. - Eucerin's innovative "Red-Brown-Black" pigment management strategy systematically addresses pigmentation issues, showcasing its commitment to localized solutions [19][21]. Group 4: Market Performance - The functional skincare market in China is rapidly growing, with the market size increasing from ¥7.42 billion in 2016 to ¥48 billion in 2024, indicating a competitive landscape [37]. - Eucerin achieved a remarkable 61.9% organic sales growth in the Chinese market in the first half of the year, significantly outperforming expectations [38][39]. - The brand's success is attributed to its comprehensive strategy, including expanding its target audience, localized R&D, entering the medical aesthetics sector, and enhancing brand communication [38][40][42]. Group 5: Academic Contributions - Eucerin's participation in the EADV conference included the release of the "International Consensus on Pigment Management," which provides a unified standard for diagnosing and treating common pigmentary disorders [27][30]. - The brand's focus on skin microbiome and anti-aging breakthroughs was highlighted in discussions led by global experts, emphasizing the importance of integrating skin science with clinical practice [30][31]. - Eucerin's product matrix, particularly its anti-pigment series, received significant attention, showcasing its commitment to evidence-based solutions in clinical and daily skincare [32][35]. Group 6: Future Outlook - Eucerin's trajectory from a German pharmacy to a prominent player on the international academic stage exemplifies the successful implementation of medical-research co-creation in the beauty industry [44]. - The brand's long-term commitment to research and development, combined with its strategic focus on the Chinese market, positions it to lead industry trends and innovations [44].

Core Viewpoint - 2025 is a pivotal year for Chinese beauty research, marked by significant international recognition and participation in top global platforms like IFSCC and EADV, showcasing the strength and innovation of Chinese brands in the beauty industry [2][14][19]. Group 1: Research Achievements - Shanghai Chicmax Cosmetic Co., Ltd. and other partners presented research on skin physiological changes and skincare efficacy for post-menopausal Chinese women, highlighting the unique skin aging characteristics in this demographic [4][22]. - The study involved 60 healthy Chinese females aged 40-60, divided into groups based on menopausal status, measuring various skin parameters [5][6]. - Results indicated significant decreases in skin elasticity and increases in wrinkle depth for women over 5 years post-menopause, while skincare products showed improvements in elasticity, firmness, and reduced wrinkle appearance after 28 days of use [7][10][8]. Group 2: International Recognition - Chinese companies submitted a record number of research papers and presentations at the IFSCC conference, reflecting a collective rise in research capabilities, with China set to host the 2032 IFSCC conference [15][14]. - The EADV conference provided a platform for discussing sensitive skin care and anti-aging research, allowing Chinese brands to engage with global experts [14][16]. - As the only Chinese brand at these events, Shanghai Chicmax not only represented Chinese brands but also contributed to the global dialogue on skincare science [16][19]. Group 3: Strategic Significance - The participation in IFSCC and EADV signifies a shift for Chinese beauty brands from local players to international contributors, enhancing their global discourse power [16][17]. - The "2025 KANS Peptide Research and Efficacy Skincare Application Yearbook" was a notable output, detailing over 50 years of global peptide technology development and showcasing China's innovations in this field [19][21]. - The research outputs and collaborations with organizations like SGS demonstrate a commitment to establishing a comprehensive research framework that bridges local practices with global standards [27][31]. Group 4: Historical Context - The evolution of Chinese beauty culture dates back to ancient times, with significant developments in local formulations and techniques over the centuries [28]. - The modern era has seen Chinese brands like KANS (Shanghai Chicmax) transition from passive competition to active innovation, focusing on research and development to establish their own voice in the industry [29][31]. - The current landscape reflects a growing recognition of "C-beauty" as a formidable force in the global cosmetics industry, with companies increasingly prioritizing scientific research and innovation [29][30].

Core Viewpoint - The outdoor brand Arc'teryx faced significant backlash for hosting a large-scale fireworks show in the environmentally sensitive Himalayan region, raising questions about the brand's commitment to nature and sustainability [3][4][6]. Group 1: Event Overview - The fireworks event, a collaboration between Arc'teryx and artist Cai Guoqiang, was intended to elevate the brand's artistic spirit but resulted in widespread criticism regarding environmental impact [3][4]. - Following the event, both Arc'teryx and Cai Guoqiang issued apologies, and the incident prompted official investigations, leading to a significant drop in the market value of related company Anta Sports, which lost 7.7 billion in market capitalization [4][10]. Group 2: Environmental Concerns - The Himalayan ecosystem is fragile, with slow soil recovery and sensitivity to noise and chemical pollutants, making the fireworks display particularly damaging [7][9]. - Despite claims of using eco-friendly materials and obtaining necessary approvals, public skepticism remained regarding the effectiveness and scientific evaluation of these measures [9][10]. Group 3: Brand Image and Public Expectations - Arc'teryx's actions contradicted its established brand values of high performance and respect for nature, leading to public outrage over perceived hypocrisy [10][11]. - The incident highlighted the growing public expectation for brands to act as responsible citizens, not just providers of products and services [6][10]. Group 4: Lessons for Other Brands - The event serves as a cautionary tale for beauty brands, emphasizing the importance of aligning brand values with actual practices and avoiding actions that could harm the environment [11][12]. - Brands should carefully consider the potential offensive nature of their marketing strategies and ensure that public discussions around their actions are constructive rather than damaging [12][13]. - Effective crisis response is crucial, with brands needing to develop comprehensive plans that include sincere apologies and transparent action plans following any missteps [13][14]. Group 5: Sustainable Practices in the Industry - Companies like Naturals have successfully integrated sustainability into their business models, demonstrating long-term commitment to environmental stewardship through initiatives like the "Himalayan Environmental Protection Fund" [16][19]. - Other brands, such as L'Oréal and L'Occitane, have implemented sustainable practices across their operations, focusing on biodiversity and environmental impact assessments [22][23].

Core Viewpoint - The beauty and medical aesthetics industry is experiencing a stark contrast, with medical aesthetic companies facing significant pressure while domestic beauty brands are actively entering the medical aesthetics market [3][4][5] Medical Aesthetics Industry Performance - Among 22 medical aesthetics companies, 14 reported a year-on-year decline in revenue during the first half of the year, with "medical aesthetics trio" member Aimeike experiencing a decline exceeding 20% [4][5] - The medical aesthetics market has been growing rapidly, with a projected market size of nearly 3,700 billion by 2025, growing at an annual rate of 17.4% since 2020 [4] Competitive Landscape - The medical aesthetics industry is facing intensified competition, particularly in upstream raw materials and equipment, leading to declining revenues for companies like Aimeike and Haohai Biological [6][7] - The consumer market is becoming more rational, with 73% of mid-to-high-income consumers planning to reduce or maintain their medical aesthetics spending in 2024 compared to 2023 [7] Domestic Beauty Brands' Strategies - Over 20 domestic beauty companies are entering the medical aesthetics sector, with brands like Naturating and Youshiyan launching new products aimed at the medical aesthetics market [10][12] - Baijuerling has launched three medical aesthetics brands, focusing on injection regeneration, post-operative care, and medical equipment, indicating a comprehensive approach to the medical aesthetics industry [16][20] Market Challenges and Opportunities - The market for medical aesthetics is becoming increasingly competitive, with established brands like 可复美 and 薇诺娜 already dominating the "medical device" segment, making differentiation a key challenge for new entrants [22][25] - Despite the challenges, the structural adjustment in the medical aesthetics industry presents opportunities for collaboration and innovation, as companies explore new product offerings and partnerships [25][27]

Core Viewpoint - The online beauty market in 2025 is experiencing a downturn, with significant declines in July and August, while some brands are achieving remarkable growth despite the overall market pressure [2][4][6]. Market Performance - The overall online beauty market from January to August 2025 recorded a total transaction value of 411.99 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.7%, with a transaction volume of 5.653 billion items, up 6.46% [5]. - Monthly performance shows a declining trend, with July and August being the only months with both transaction value and volume decreasing [5][6]. High-Growth Brands - Brands like Han Shu, Bai Que Ling, Helena, ELL, and Canban have shown exceptional growth in August, with Han Shu nearing 1 billion yuan in transaction value, up 51.37% year-on-year, and Bai Que Ling achieving a growth rate of 108.77% [4][11]. - The growth of these brands occurred without major promotional events, indicating innovative strategies that could provide insights for the beauty industry [4][6]. Platform Performance - Douyin has emerged as a key growth engine, with several brands achieving over 50% growth in transaction value on the platform [11][12]. - Brands like Han Shu and Bai Que Ling have successfully utilized a multi-platform strategy, achieving significant growth on platforms like JD and Kuaishou as well [11][12]. Brand Strategies - Han Shu focuses on a matrix of self-broadcasting and product bundling to create a self-sustaining growth engine, with multiple flagship stores catering to different product categories [13][14]. - Bai Que Ling employs a dual strategy of self-broadcasting and influencer marketing, with live streaming accounting for 83% of its sales [16][17]. - Helena capitalizes on high-end gifting opportunities, particularly around promotional events like Qixi Festival, maintaining a premium brand positioning [19][20][21]. Unique Market Entries - ELL, a white-label brand, has successfully navigated the market with a low-price strategy and celebrity endorsements, achieving a transaction value of 2.35 billion yuan in August [25][26]. - Canban stands out in the oral care segment, achieving over 100% growth in both transaction value and volume, despite the overall category facing challenges [27][28][29]. Conclusion - The online beauty market in August reflects a duality of challenges and opportunities, with brands adapting to a shift from price competition to value-driven strategies [32]. - The success of these brands highlights the importance of understanding user needs and enhancing operational efficiency to navigate market fluctuations [32].

Core Viewpoint - The 35th IFSCC Congress, themed "The Future is Science," was held in Cannes, France, showcasing the advancements in cosmetic science and technology, with China winning the bid to host the 2032 Congress in Shanghai, marking a historic moment for the Chinese beauty industry [3][4][5]. Group 1: Event Highlights - The IFSCC Congress is recognized as the "Nobel Prize" of the cosmetics industry, with over 16,000 members from 81 countries [3]. - The 2032 Congress will be the first to take place in China, emphasizing the country's growing influence in global cosmetic science [4][5]. - The successful bid was achieved with a vote of 9 to 5 against the South Korean chapter, highlighting China's preparedness and recognition in the field [5][7]. Group 2: China's Performance in IFSCC - China's participation in recent IFSCC events has significantly increased, with impressive numbers in attendance and submissions, indicating a shift from being a "follower" to a "core player" in the IFSCC [8][9]. - In 2024, China had 145 attendees (11.6% of total) and ranked second in poster submissions, showcasing its growing research capabilities [9]. - The China-SCC, established in 2015, has seen membership grow to over 600, with expectations to exceed 1,000 by 2027, reflecting the rapid development of the Chinese cosmetic science community [10][12]. Group 3: Research Contributions - Chinese companies have made significant contributions to IFSCC, with a doubling of submissions in 2024 compared to 2023, and a record number of high-quality submissions in 2025 [16]. - In 2025, China submitted 335 papers, surpassing the host country France's 205 submissions, indicating a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region [16]. - Notable achievements include the recognition of Pechoin, which has won multiple international awards and has a substantial number of research papers published [19][21]. Group 4: Future Implications - Hosting the 2032 IFSCC Congress is seen as a milestone for the Chinese beauty industry, showcasing its capabilities as a research powerhouse and enhancing global collaboration [13][15]. - The event will provide opportunities for Chinese companies to engage with global leaders, accelerating the globalization of the industry [15]. - The recognition of IFSCC awards and the rigorous selection process further validate the quality of Chinese research contributions, positioning them as influential players in the future of the cosmetics industry [24].

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 China Fragrance, Flavor and Cosmetic Industry Annual Conference (CAME) will be held from September 25-27, 2025, in Nanjing, focusing on "Technology, Brand, Advance Together" as its core theme, aiming to promote high-quality development in the industry [2]. Group 1: Conference Themes and Objectives - The conference will gather representatives from regulatory bodies, scholars, and industry leaders to analyze global policy trends, technological breakthroughs, and brand evolution paths [2]. - Key topics include technological innovation, brand building, market development, sustainable practices, and internationalization strategies [2]. Group 2: Notable Sessions and Contributions - Experts, including Chinese Academy of Engineering academician Chen Jian, will discuss how cutting-edge technologies like synthetic biology and neurocosmetics empower product innovation [2]. - The "2025 China Cosmetic Brand Value Conference" will release multiple group standards, showcasing breakthroughs from leading domestic brands such as Oushiman and Proya [2]. Group 3: Sustainability and Talent Development - The conference will collaborate with organizations like L'Oréal and the European Cosmetics Association to provide methodologies for ESG practices and global expansion [2]. - There will be a focus on talent cultivation and the integration of industry, academia, and research to foster long-term ecological development in the industry [2].

Core Viewpoint - The skincare industry is increasingly integrating with medical aesthetics, with products like eye creams and moisturizers claiming to deliver results comparable to professional treatments, offering consumers effective, convenient, and safe alternatives to invasive procedures [3][4][16]. Group 1: Industry Trends - Brands are collectively launching "clinic-level" skincare products, blurring the lines between home care and medical aesthetics, raising questions about the definition of "effective" skincare [4][16]. - The demand for "clinic-level" products is driven by consumers seeking high efficacy without the invasiveness and cost of medical procedures, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences towards more accessible skincare solutions [19][22]. Group 2: Technological Innovations - The industry is focusing on three main technological pathways: ingredient replication, transdermal technology, and efficacy validation to bridge the gap between professional medical aesthetics and daily skincare [5][11]. - Ingredient replication involves incorporating medical-grade ingredients into skincare products, such as PDRN, which traditionally required injection for effectiveness but is now being formulated for topical use [5][7]. - Transdermal technology advancements aim to enhance the absorption of active ingredients, allowing skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin without invasive methods [9][11]. Group 3: Efficacy Validation - Brands are increasingly relying on robust efficacy data to support their claims, conducting human efficacy tests and correlating results with medical aesthetic procedures to build consumer trust [11][13]. - The lack of a unified efficacy validation system poses challenges, as current testing methods and metrics vary, making it difficult to compare results with established medical treatments [27][29]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The light medical aesthetics market in China has seen a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 20% from 2018 to 2023, with projections indicating it will exceed 250 billion RMB by 2025 [20]. - The integration of medical aesthetics and skincare is becoming a significant trend, with brands exploring collaborations and innovations that combine both fields to meet consumer demands for effective and safe skincare solutions [24][28]. Group 5: Consumer Behavior - Consumers are becoming more discerning, seeking scientific evidence and efficacy data behind claims of products that promise results similar to medical treatments, indicating a maturation of the market [26][29]. - The shift towards "clinic-level" skincare reflects a broader trend of consumers desiring effective, convenient, and safe alternatives to traditional medical aesthetics, creating a new ecosystem in the beauty industry [24][29].

Core Viewpoint - The hair care market is rapidly evolving, with a significant shift towards high-end products that emphasize efficacy, targeted solutions, and emotional experiences, as evidenced by a 20.67% online growth rate in the hair care category in the first half of 2025, leading the overall beauty market [3][4]. Brand Strategy and Philosophy - Off&Relax has upgraded its brand strategy to position itself as "Asia's Expert in Holistic Scalp Care," focusing on a comprehensive approach that integrates emotional healing and philosophical reflection into scalp care experiences [10][12]. - The brand's new philosophy, "Water Healing," draws inspiration from the natural properties of water, emphasizing its role in nurturing both body and mind, and aims to redefine the value of hair care products [6][8]. Product Innovation and Technology - Off&Relax has introduced the "Holistic Renewal System," which combines scientific scalp care strategies with aromatic therapy, targeting four key areas: nourishment of hair follicles, cleansing of sebaceous glands, balancing the scalp barrier, and repairing hair strands [10][14]. - The brand employs advanced technologies such as selective cleansing, selective antibacterial, and selective repair to address scalp and hair health, ensuring a balanced scalp ecosystem [20][21][23]. Market Demand and Growth Potential - The demand for anti-hair loss products is significant, with over 250 million people in China identified as part of the anti-hair loss demographic, primarily due to androgenetic alopecia [34][38]. - Off&Relax's innovative use of 17-type collagen technology positions it at the forefront of the anti-hair loss market, with clinical trials demonstrating effective results in improving scalp health and reducing hair loss [36][37]. Industry Position and Future Outlook - Off&Relax is recognized as a high-potential brand in the hair care industry, with a strong emphasis on professional expertise and innovative product development, aiming to set higher standards within the industry [42][44]. - The brand's commitment to long-term care and its strategic partnerships with leading experts in the field highlight its ambition to redefine the value of high-end hair care products and contribute to the overall advancement of the industry [48][49].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the transformation of the beauty device industry in China, emphasizing the shift from aggressive marketing to compliance and technology competition following the inclusion of radio frequency beauty devices in Class III medical device management. The market is experiencing a slowdown in growth, with a focus on product certification and consumer trust as key factors for success [4][5][31]. Group 1: Industry Evolution - The beauty device industry has undergone four stages: introduction, growth, maturity, and restructuring, with compliance becoming a critical turning point [5]. - The introduction phase saw foreign brands entering the market, while the growth phase was marked by increased investment and the emergence of domestic brands [5]. - The restructuring phase began in 2022 with tighter regulations, leading to the exit of smaller brands and a focus on R&D among leading companies [5][31]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - In 2024, the main e-commerce platforms reported sales of 9.858 billion yuan and 1.9123 million units sold, indicating a slowdown in market growth [6][31]. - The tightening of industry regulations has made consumers more cautious, focusing on product approval status to avoid quality risks [6][11]. - The market is characterized by a "volume increase, stable revenue" trend, with some brands resorting to aggressive pricing strategies to clear inventory [8][11]. Group 3: Technology and Consumer Preferences - The main technologies driving market growth are radio frequency (RF) and microcurrent, with RF products seeing a 202% increase in sales [12][14]. - The consumer interest in RF technology is significantly higher, with a discussion volume of 85,500, reflecting its established position in the market [12][13]. - Younger consumers (ages 21-35) are increasingly prioritizing anti-aging solutions, indicating a shift in consumer demographics and preferences [24][26]. Group 4: Pricing and Market Segmentation - The entry-level price range (0-2000 yuan) dominates the market supply, catering to the basic needs of consumers and reflecting brands' strategies to capture market share through high cost-performance [15][18]. - The absolute majority of sales occur in the 0-4000 yuan price range, indicating a strong demand for affordable beauty devices [18][22]. - Different e-commerce platforms exhibit varying acceptance levels across price ranges, with comprehensive platforms showing balanced acceptance and content-driven platforms focusing on high-quality products [22][24]. Group 5: Regional Insights and Challenges - Guangdong is identified as the core consumption area for beauty devices, supported by a mature supply chain and high e-commerce penetration [27]. - Other provinces like Sichuan, Shandong, Zhejiang, and Fujian are expanding their market presence, driven by population and economic factors [29]. - User feedback highlights skin sensation issues as a significant pain point, affecting product comfort and long-term usage intentions [30][32]. Group 6: Future Outlook - The beauty device industry is transitioning towards a more mature and professional market, with compliance and technology as key growth drivers [31]. - Brands must focus on optimizing user experience and addressing quality concerns to build consumer trust and ensure sustainable development [32].