Core Viewpoint - The Chinese medical beauty market is rapidly expanding, with a market size of 217.9 billion yuan in 2021, projected to exceed 1 trillion yuan by 2030. The "perioperative skincare" segment is gaining traction, attracting over 20 beauty companies to enter the field [2]. Group 1: Market Expansion and Trends - The "perioperative skincare" segment is a professional blue ocean attracting major beauty brands, with international giants and emerging brands competing for growth [2]. - The concept of "holistic skincare" was first introduced by SkinCeuticals in China in 2012, establishing a scientific system and comprehensive product matrix in the perioperative skincare field [4]. Group 2: Academic Leadership and Events - SkinCeuticals has been invited to the IMCAS conference for 12 consecutive years, showcasing its academic strength and industry leadership through various dimensions [3]. - The IMCAS conference featured a satellite meeting led by Professor Xiang Lei Hong from Fudan University, discussing global trends in medical beauty and advancements in holistic skincare [6]. Group 3: Holistic Skincare Development - SkinCeuticals has established a mature "dual beauty" concept system under the holistic skincare philosophy, setting standardized guidelines for the industry [8]. - The brand emphasizes the synergy between effective skincare products and medical beauty projects, supported by clinical research and global case studies [9]. Group 4: Innovations and Product Launches - SkinCeuticals is expanding the holistic skincare concept into holistic aesthetics with the launch of the "SkinCeuticals Collagen Injection," the only human-derived collagen solution certified as a Class III medical device in China [15]. - The introduction of the A.G.E. serum, featuring 30% progerin solution and five patented anti-glycation technologies, highlights the brand's commitment to advanced anti-aging solutions [23]. Group 5: Industry Challenges and Solutions - The medical beauty industry faces challenges such as excessive marketing and misinformation, which can lead to safety risks for consumers [19]. - A roundtable forum was held to discuss the core needs of consumers and explore solutions to industry pain points, emphasizing a return to scientific principles in anti-aging practices [21].

Core Viewpoint - The Ordinary is positioning itself as a scientific skincare brand in the Chinese market, emphasizing transparency, effective ingredients, and consumer education to counteract the prevalent marketing hype in the skincare industry [2][3][15]. Brand Launch and Market Strategy - The Ordinary held its first brand launch event in China on June 24, 2025, and is set to open its Tmall flagship store on July 11, 2025, marking a significant step in its market entry strategy [2][3]. - The brand aims to shift the focus of the skincare market from marketing competition back to scientific efficacy, establishing new value benchmarks in the industry [3][25]. Brand Philosophy and Development - Founded in 2016, The Ordinary emerged as a response to exaggerated marketing claims in the skincare industry, advocating for transparency in product formulation and pricing [9][7]. - The brand's products are named after their key active ingredients and concentrations, with a commitment to affordable pricing, exemplified by its best-selling Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum priced at 59 yuan for 30ml, significantly lower than competitors [9][10]. Scientific Approach and Consumer Engagement - The Ordinary emphasizes a science-driven approach, maintaining a dedicated research team of 160 experts and a commitment to clinical testing to ensure product safety and efficacy [11][18]. - The brand has built a strong community with over 5 million followers online and actively engages in consumer education to foster trust and loyalty [11][13]. Market Adaptation and Product Localization - The Ordinary is adapting its product offerings to meet the specific needs of Chinese consumers, including collaborations with local testing organizations to ensure compliance and safety [18][19]. - The brand has developed localized formulations, such as a modified glycolic acid toner, to cater to the preferences of Chinese consumers [19]. AI Integration and Retail Innovation - The launch of The Ordinary's Tmall flagship store incorporates AI technology to provide personalized shopping experiences, including tailored product recommendations based on individual skin concerns [21][22]. - This initiative reflects the brand's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance consumer engagement and education in the skincare space [21][22]. Industry Insights and Future Directions - The Ordinary's entry into the Chinese market is seen as timely, addressing the growing demand for effective skincare solutions amidst a backdrop of marketing saturation and consumer skepticism [35]. - The brand's focus on scientific communication and transparency is expected to resonate with increasingly discerning consumers, potentially reshaping the skincare industry's landscape in China [25][35].

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the market position evaluation system by the China Fragrance and Cosmetic Industry Association marks a significant shift in the Chinese cosmetics industry, emphasizing brand building and long-term value over mere sales figures [2][3][4]. Group 1: Market Position Evaluation System - The new market position evaluation system aims to promote brand building and support companies that adhere to long-term value principles, rather than simply ranking based on sales [4][5]. - The evaluation system is based on a comprehensive data collection process, including online and offline retail channels, and involves multiple verification steps to ensure accuracy [8][11]. - The system's key indicators include total retail sales (weighted at 70%) and brand accumulation (weighted at 30%), with a strict one-vote veto policy for brands with significant quality issues [11][12]. Group 2: Industry Insights and Trends - The Chinese cosmetics market has maintained a scale exceeding 1 trillion yuan, with projected market sizes of 1,044.55 billion yuan for 2023 and 1,073.82 billion yuan for 2024 [4]. - The top 50 brands accounted for 21.74% of the total retail sales in 2024, with 22 Chinese brands making the list, reflecting the rapid rise of local brands due to their adaptability to online channels [30][32]. - Despite the progress, Chinese brands still face challenges in achieving quality upgrades, as they primarily occupy the lower segments of the market structure [32][33]. Group 3: Industry Response and Future Directions - The release of the evaluation results has generated significant media attention and industry response, with many executives recognizing the importance of brand value in a changing market landscape [15][17][19]. - Companies are focusing on enhancing their brand value through technological innovation, quality control, and organizational evolution, as emphasized by industry leaders [34][35]. - The association aims to create a systematic approach to promote high-quality development across the entire cosmetics industry, advocating for a shift from a "tack" structure to an "olive" structure, which would support the growth of mid-tier companies [33][37].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emerging significance of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) in anti-aging skincare, highlighting the potential of N-acetylneuraminic acid (also known as "Nectar Acid") as a key ingredient in this new approach to skincare [2][3][15]. Group 1: ECM and Anti-Aging - ECM has been identified as the thirteenth hallmark of aging, representing a new pathway for anti-aging technology in the beauty industry [2][8]. - Major beauty companies like L'Oréal, Estée Lauder, Shiseido, and others are actively investing in ECM-related research and development, indicating a competitive landscape [8][11]. Group 2: N-acetylneuraminic Acid (Nectar Acid) - N-acetylneuraminic acid has recently been approved by the National Medical Products Administration in China, marking its transition from experimental to a recognized cosmetic ingredient [3][15]. - This ingredient exhibits multiple biological activities, including anti-wrinkle, brightening, anti-inflammatory properties, and the ability to regulate ECM homeostasis [15][22]. Group 3: Mechanisms and Efficacy - N-acetylneuraminic acid significantly enhances collagen gene promoter activity, leading to a 252% increase in type I collagen synthesis at a concentration of 0.2% [18]. - It acts as a stabilizer for ECM by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9), thereby reducing collagen degradation [20][22]. Group 4: Market Potential and Applications - The successful incorporation of N-acetylneuraminic acid into the cosmetic ingredient directory opens up new market opportunities and enhances its commercial value [26][27]. - The ingredient's dual application in both topical and oral beauty products aligns with traditional Asian wellness practices, providing a strong foundation for cross-category integration [26][28]. Group 5: Research and Development - The company has invested over 30 million yuan in the industrialization of N-acetylneuraminic acid, overcoming traditional extraction challenges to achieve high purity and yield [28][29]. - Ongoing research focuses on multi-omics studies to validate the ingredient's efficacy across various biological pathways, enhancing its appeal in the anti-aging market [25][34].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significance of the "China Cosmetics Brand Development Conference" held in Shanghai, focusing on the high-quality development of the Chinese cosmetics industry and the introduction of three authoritative rankings for 2025, which will provide a scientific evaluation benchmark for brand development [2]. Group 1: Event Overview - The conference was co-hosted by the China Flavor and Fragrance Cosmetic Industry Association and the Shanghai Fengxian District People's Government, with the theme "Innovation Drives Brand Takeoff" [2]. - Three authoritative rankings were released: "2025 Top 50 Cosmetics Enterprises," "2025 Top 50 Cosmetics Brands," and "2025 Category Champions," aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Chinese cosmetics [2]. Group 2: Company Highlights - The domestic brand Gu Yu was recognized for its technological innovation and strong market performance, making it to both the "2025 Top 50 Cosmetics Enterprises" and "2025 Top 50 Cosmetics Brands," as well as being awarded the title of "2025 Category Champion - Domestic Whitening Skincare First Brand" [2]. - Gu Yu focuses on understanding the unique skin characteristics of Chinese consumers, identifying three core issues: "black, yellow, and red," and has developed a tailored whitening solution [4]. Group 3: Technological Innovations - Gu Yu has established a "Chinese Core" efficacy ingredient library, incorporating unique natural ingredients with clear molecular formulas, and has made significant advancements in the extraction and application of these ingredients [11]. - The brand has innovated the "Aurora Licorice" technology, achieving a 99% purity level of licorice extract, enhancing its whitening efficacy and consumer trust [8][7]. Group 4: Industry Standards and Contributions - Gu Yu has led the development of two significant industry standards aimed at improving the formulation of whitening skincare products suitable for Chinese skin [4]. - The company has participated in the establishment of 11 industry standards, promoting the scientific application of Chinese ingredients and the development of skincare products tailored to Chinese consumers [15].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the transformation of Yatsen E-commerce from a manufacturing-focused company to a technology-driven beauty brand, emphasizing the importance of scientific innovation and consumer trust in product efficacy [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - Yatsen E-commerce reported a revenue of 1.15 billion yuan in Q4 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 7.1%, and achieved profitability for the first time [2]. - In Q1 2025, the company continued its growth trajectory with a revenue of 830 million yuan, up 7.8% year-on-year, and a Non-GAAP net profit of 7.14 million yuan [2]. Business Structure Upgrade - The skincare segment's revenue share increased to 43.5% in Q1 2025, maintaining over 30% of total revenue for 12 consecutive quarters [2]. - The main brand, Perfect Diary, experienced significant growth under the "makeup and skincare integration" strategy, with its bionic membrane essence lipstick achieving a GMV of over 600 million yuan since its launch [2]. R&D Investment and Strategy - Since 2020, Yatsen E-commerce has invested over 580 million yuan in R&D, maintaining a R&D expense ratio of over 3% for three consecutive years, positioning itself among the leaders in the global beauty industry [9]. - The company has established a comprehensive R&D system, including a global innovation center and multiple research collaborations, to enhance its technological capabilities [9][16]. Leadership and Talent Acquisition - The appointment of Cheng Jing, a seasoned scientist with 28 years of international R&D management experience, as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) signifies a strategic move to strengthen domestic R&D capabilities [3][4]. - Cheng's vision includes transforming her extensive experience in international companies into a driving force for Chinese brands to compete globally [4][7]. Open Innovation and Collaboration - Yatsen E-commerce is building an open innovation ecosystem, collaborating with top global partners across various sectors to create a comprehensive innovation loop [16][17]. - The establishment of joint laboratories with institutions like Ruijin Hospital and Sun Yat-sen University has facilitated rapid conversion of research outcomes into marketable products [17][18]. Sustainable Development Initiatives - The company integrates sustainability into every aspect of product development, focusing on environmentally friendly innovations and responsible practices [22][23]. - Yatsen E-commerce has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, achieving an MSCI ESG A rating for two consecutive years, aligning with leading international beauty brands [23][24]. Future Outlook - The company aims to continue its journey towards becoming a "world-class beauty innovation pioneer" through sustained R&D investment and a focus on consumer-driven product development [26].

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese cosmetics industry is undergoing a critical transition from scale expansion to brand elevation, highlighted by the launch of the "PRIME Brand Incubation Model" at the China Fragrance and Cosmetics Brand Development Conference on July 1 [2][28]. Group 1: PRIME Model Overview - The "PRIME Brand Incubation Model" is a multi-dimensional dynamic empowerment system designed to assist enterprises in their evolution from startup to growth phases [5][27]. - The model consists of five core elements: Platform Support (P), Resource Integration (R), Innovation Drive (I), Market Validation (M), and Ecosystem Empowerment (E), expressed in the formula: BEC = P × R × I × M × E [5][21]. Group 2: Five Core Elements - **Platform Support**: Serves as the foundation of the PRIME model, facilitating resource flow through a comprehensive infrastructure system that includes physical spaces, functional modules, and digital systems [6][11]. - **Resource Integration**: Focuses on creating a "dynamic integration engine" that transforms scattered resources into systematic capabilities, avoiding vicious competition while achieving value upgrades [10][13]. - **Innovation Drive**: Acts as a catalyst for brand value enhancement and incubation power, exemplified by the South Shanghai Innovation Center, which accelerates the application of cutting-edge technologies [13][15]. - **Market Validation**: Ensures that other elements remain relevant to actual market demands, establishing a mechanism that captures market demand changes in real-time [14][15]. - **Ecosystem Empowerment**: Functions as a multiplier, enhancing overall effectiveness through a stable circular mechanism that considers multiple dimensions [15][16]. Group 3: Model Implications and Achievements - The PRIME model has demonstrated significant effectiveness, with brand value in the Eastern Beauty Valley increasing by 312% over five years, validating the model as an effective market mechanism [17][24]. - The model is built on a scientific process design and introduces a quantifiable standard system, showcasing its practicality and adaptability [19][24]. - The Eastern Beauty Valley has established a complete industrial chain and strong R&D capabilities, with 49 cosmetics companies having independent R&D centers and over 1,000 patents granted [30][32]. Group 4: Strategic Importance - The launch of the PRIME model signifies a new phase for the Eastern Beauty Valley and Fengxian District, focusing on high-quality brand incubation and innovation-driven development [34][28]. - The model represents a shift in the industry from "land dividends" to "brand empowerment," redefining the essence of investment attraction and industrial cultivation [24][34]. - The Eastern Beauty Valley serves as a representative case for the transformation of the beauty and health industry in China, with its brand value reaching 33.878 billion yuan by 2023 [33][34].

Core Viewpoint - The beauty industry is increasingly entering the medical aesthetics channel, with over 20 beauty brands adopting a dual beauty strategy of "medical aesthetics + beauty" to enhance their market presence and professional credibility [2][6][30]. Group 1: Market Overview - The medical aesthetics market in China is experiencing strong growth, with 18,584 compliant specialized medical aesthetics institutions reported as of January 2024 [6][7]. - The main active regions for medical aesthetics consumption are concentrated in the Pearl River Delta, Yangtze River Delta, and Chengdu-Chongqing areas [7][8]. Group 2: Industry Structure - Medical aesthetics institutions can be categorized into three types: public hospitals, large chain private hospitals, and small private hospitals and clinics [4][5]. - The development of the domestic medical aesthetics industry has gone through three main stages: initiation (1994-2000), gradual standardization (2000-2010), and rapid development (2010-present) [5]. Group 3: Brand Strategies - Many beauty companies have established significant medical aesthetics channel layouts, such as Huaxi Biological covering 7,000 medical institutions and Juzhi Biological entering approximately 1,700 public hospitals and 3,000 private hospitals and clinics [8][10]. - International beauty brands are also accelerating their medical aesthetics channel expansion, with brands like SkinCeuticals and Estée Lauder entering high-end medical aesthetics lines [10][12]. Group 4: Consumer Trends - There is a growing consumer demand for effective skincare solutions that combine beauty products with medical treatments, reflecting a trend towards the integration of lifestyle beauty and medical aesthetics [17][20]. - Consumers are increasingly seeking products with professional medical backing and comprehensive management solutions from pre-operative care to post-operative recovery [18][20]. Group 5: Challenges and Opportunities - Despite the initial success of some brands in the medical aesthetics channel, challenges remain, including product quality inconsistency and the need for effective consumer education [16][18][20]. - The dual beauty model is becoming a significant trend, with medical aesthetics companies also venturing into lifestyle beauty, leveraging their technical expertise and clinical data [22][23]. Group 6: Future Outlook - The competition in the medical aesthetics channel is expected to intensify, with beauty brands needing to establish unique advantages through solid technical research and deep medical collaboration [29][30]. - The future winners in this space will be those who can embed "professional trust" in the medical aesthetics channel and leverage "real clinical value" to gain endorsements from both doctors and consumers [30].

Core Viewpoint - Marubi has established itself as a leading brand in the eye care segment, achieving significant sales milestones and cultural relevance through its annual "Eye Cream Festival" and collaborations with artists, thereby redefining the standards for domestic eye care products [6][19][28]. Group 1: Brand Recognition and Achievements - Marubi was awarded the title of "First Brand in Domestic Eye Care" by the China Fragrance and Cosmetic Industry Association, highlighting its market leadership and brand strength [16][18]. - The brand has maintained the highest sales in the eye care category for three consecutive years, with its flagship product, the small red pen eye cream, achieving sales of 5 billion [18][19]. - In 2024, Marubi's GMV exceeded 900 million, with an impressive growth rate of 83.9%, further solidifying its position as the leading domestic eye care brand [18]. Group 2: Marketing and Cultural Integration - The 12th "Eye Cream Festival" featured a collaboration with contemporary artist Song Santu, emphasizing the integration of art and culture into the brand's marketing strategy [7][10]. - Marubi's marketing approach has evolved from emotional marketing to emotional engagement, creating a deeper connection with consumers through artistic collaborations [12][14]. - The festival has transformed from a promotional event into a cultural ceremony, enhancing brand identity and consumer engagement [27][28]. Group 3: Product Development and Innovation - Marubi has focused on continuous product innovation, launching multiple iterations of its small red pen eye cream, with the latest version featuring a 25% custom high-concentration peptide formula [22][24]. - The brand has developed a comprehensive product matrix, including key products like the small purple eye cream and butterfly eye mask, to enhance its online presence and sales performance [24]. - Marubi's research and development capabilities have evolved into a fourth-generation system, integrating advanced technologies to ensure product efficacy and safety [27]. Group 4: Strategic Positioning and Market Insights - Marubi's strategy emphasizes systematic capabilities, combining product development, marketing, and consumer trust to create a robust competitive advantage in the eye care market [26][28]. - The brand's long-term commitment to quality and innovation has allowed it to build a strong reputation and consumer loyalty in a highly competitive landscape [19][28]. - Marubi's success illustrates that a brand can thrive in the beauty industry without relying on anxiety-driven narratives, focusing instead on product quality and cultural depth [28][29].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the rapid growth of plant-based ingredients in the cosmetics industry, driven by consumer demand for hydration, whitening, and other benefits, alongside supportive government policies for innovation in this area [2][4]. Group 1: Market Trends and Consumer Preferences - The domestic registration of plant-based ingredients reached 23 cases in the first four months of 2025, accounting for 50% of the total cosmetic ingredient registrations during the same period [2]. - Chinese consumers are increasingly focused on ingredient efficacy and safety, moving beyond just popular ingredients to consider formulation, patents, and purity [9][11]. - There is a significant market potential for products that combine plant ingredients with synthetic biology technology, aiming to create gentle yet effective products [9]. Group 2: Technological Innovations - The launch of the "Noble Plant Cell Intelligent Manufacturing Platform" by Noble represents a breakthrough in integrating plant ingredients with modern biotechnology [4][20]. - Two core technologies introduced are GreenCall™ for directed cultivation of plant callus cells and PhytoExo™ PLUS+ for delivering plant callus cell exosomes, addressing challenges in stability and absorption of traditional plant extracts [22][30]. - GreenCall™ technology enhances the synthesis and secretion of functional secondary metabolites, ensuring the purity and safety of plant-derived active ingredients [25][31]. Group 3: Industry Challenges and Opportunities - Traditional plant extracts face challenges such as instability of active ingredients and low transdermal absorption rates [18]. - The application of exosomes in cosmetics is still primarily driven by markets in Korea, Japan, and Europe, indicating a need for further research and application in China [12][31]. - The collaboration between Noble and its affiliated companies aims to leverage advanced technologies to improve the quality and efficacy of plant-based products [19][39]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The establishment of the Noble Plant Cell Intelligent Manufacturing Platform is expected to drive innovation and collaboration within the cosmetics industry, enhancing the development of plant-based ingredients [33][38]. - The platform's capabilities suggest a significant potential for integrating more cutting-edge biotechnologies in the future, positioning Noble as a leader in the transformation of the cosmetics industry [41].