Core Viewpoint - The article discusses Unilever's strategic shift towards growth through organizational changes, particularly the promotion of Leandro Barreto to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), which reflects the company's focus on a consumer-centric growth model and enhanced marketing strategies [5][14][25]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - Unilever announced the promotion of Leandro Barreto to CMO, effective January 1, 2026, expanding his responsibilities to oversee the entire marketing function of the company [3][5]. - This leadership change is part of a broader organizational restructuring involving adjustments to 200 senior management positions as part of an operational and organizational transformation plan [5][17]. Group 2: Marketing Strategy - Unilever is shifting its marketing strategy to prioritize social media, increasing its advertising budget on these platforms from 30% to 50% of total ad spending [13][25]. - The company aims to enhance its engagement with consumers through localized and refined marketing efforts, including a significant increase in collaborations with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) [13][14]. Group 3: Financial Performance - In the first three quarters of the year, Unilever's beauty and wellness segment saw a 5.1% increase in underlying sales, driven by both volume and price contributions [11]. - The personal care segment also performed well, with a 4.1% increase in underlying sales, largely attributed to successful innovations in brands like Dove [11][12]. Group 4: Brand and Portfolio Strategy - Unilever is undergoing a significant brand and category restructuring, with plans to streamline its brand portfolio to focus on high-growth and core brands, aiming to reduce the total number of brands to under 200 [19][20]. - The company has already divested over 20 beauty or personal care brands since 2023, including the sale of non-core assets like Suave and the Eli d a Beauty unit [20][21]. Group 5: Market Focus - China has emerged as a key market for Unilever, showing low single-digit sales growth amidst overall company challenges, and is identified as a critical target for high-end beauty and health business expansion [28][29]. - The company is adapting its research and marketing strategies in China to align with local consumer demands, emphasizing high-value skincare and beauty products [28][39].

Core Viewpoint - The beauty industry is currently facing scrutiny due to the detection of the banned substance EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) in products from various brands, including KANS, which has sparked significant media attention and consumer concern [3][9]. Summary by Sections Detection of EGF - A report from CCTV's "Economic Half Hour" highlighted the presence of EGF in KANS products, specifically the "KANS Firming Essence Mask" and "KANS Brightening Mask," with detected levels of 0.07 pg/g and 3.21 pg/g respectively [3][4]. KANS Response - KANS responded by asserting that none of their products contain EGF and provided third-party testing results from SGS, confirming the absence of EGF in the mentioned products. They emphasized compliance with national regulations [5][8]. Understanding EGF - EGF is a naturally occurring substance in human tissues, known for promoting cell growth. However, its use in cosmetics is restricted in many countries due to potential risks associated with excessive use [8][9]. Previous Incidents - The EGF controversy is not isolated; earlier in 2025, a similar incident involved multiple brands being accused of EGF contamination, which was later disproven by regulatory testing [9][10]. Microbial Presence of EGF - The detected levels of EGF in KANS products are extremely low, raising questions about the likelihood of intentional addition. Experts argue that such minuscule amounts would not provide any therapeutic benefits and suggest that the presence of EGF is unlikely to be a deliberate act by KANS [10][12]. Testing Methodology Concerns - Experts suggest that the detection of EGF may stem from issues with the testing methods used, particularly the ELISA method, which lacks standardized protocols for cosmetic products. This could lead to inaccurate results [16][18]. Industry Implications - The beauty industry faces ongoing challenges related to detection standards and the impact of media-driven narratives on brand reputation. The lack of clear regulations and testing standards contributes to the potential for misinformation and public backlash [19][20].

Core Insights - The beauty retail landscape in 2025 has undergone a strategic transformation, with traditional department stores closing approximately 20 beauty counters daily, resulting in a net reduction of over 5,000 points throughout the year. In contrast, more than 80 new stores have opened across various formats, indicating a shift in the essence of store openings from mere locations to interactive "experience generators" [1][4][20]. Group 1: Changes in Retail Strategy - The focus of foreign brands has shifted from establishing static brand landmarks to creating dynamic operational "experience laboratories" that engage consumers [5][8]. - The concept of "first stores" has evolved, with brands now competing not just for geographical presence but for the best resources to launch globally, making China a key market for premier brand assets and innovative products [8][10]. - The traditional department store channel has seen a significant efficiency optimization, with a beauty brand counter opening and closing ratio of only 0.6, reflecting a strategic shift towards deeper experiential value creation [20][43]. Group 2: Local Brand Strategies - Local brands have completed a strategic evolution, moving beyond imitation to establish distinct paths in fragrance, color cosmetics, and skincare, focusing on systematic brand space construction rather than scattered store openings [22][38]. - Three distinct paths for local fragrance brands have emerged: cultural deepening, matrix penetration, and business model integration, each targeting unique market segments and consumer experiences [24][31]. - Local brands are also exploring international markets, with brands like JUDUO and JOOCYEE opening their first overseas stores, indicating a systematic exploration of international growth [32][33]. Group 3: Innovative Retail Formats - Pop-up stores have evolved from marketing events to "high-end experience laboratories," offering flexible themes and deep technological integration, exemplified by Lancôme and SkinCeuticals [11][13]. - Some foreign brands are merging retail with lifestyle solutions, as seen with HARNN's "SPA + retail" concept, allowing customers to experience the brand's culture and services in a holistic manner [15][16]. - The integration of various business models is becoming standard, with brands like MARCH creating multi-functional spaces that combine fragrance with cultural and lifestyle elements [29][41]. Group 4: Market Dynamics and Future Trends - The role of cities in brand strategy has been redefined, with high-tier cities serving as core battlegrounds for brand recognition and narrative development, while lower-tier cities are seen as growth areas for brand expansion [40][41]. - The future of beauty retail is shifting from geographical competition to the creation of mental and experiential spaces, emphasizing the importance of opening the "right" store in strategically chosen locations [43][44].

Core Insights - The article discusses the rising trend of cultural creative hand creams in tourist areas, highlighting their appeal as both practical gifts and social media props for young consumers [4][5]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Cultural creative hand creams have become popular as souvenirs in tourist spots, with various themed packaging catering to different consumer preferences [5]. - The success of these products is attributed to their ability to meet emotional and practical needs, creating a closed loop of "scene adaptation + experience empowerment + value resonance" [5]. Group 2: Consumer Insights - The demand for hand creams has evolved from basic moisturizing to a multi-scenario product that carries emotional value, with key dimensions being "effectiveness anchor + scene adaptation + demographic segmentation" [10]. - Scent is the primary factor influencing purchase decisions, with 60% of consumer reviews mentioning it, compared to only 17% for moisturizing properties [12]. Group 3: Target Demographics - The primary consumer demographic is women aged 21-35, who exhibit distinct preferences that influence product positioning [13]. - Younger consumers (21-25 years) prefer affordable, well-packaged products, while working professionals (26-35 years) prioritize non-greasy textures and subtle fragrances [14]. Group 4: Brand Strategies - Brands like Qingzhi and Huke have successfully navigated the market by addressing core consumer needs: Qingzhi focuses on the tourism gift market, while Huke emphasizes effective ingredients and user experience [17][19]. - Qingzhi's sales reached 2.27 million yuan with a volume of 32,900 units in October 2025, achieving significant growth through a "offline experience + online repurchase" model [6][18]. - Huke's online sales reached 5.49 million yuan with 72,000 units sold in the same period, driven by targeted ingredient benefits and enhanced user experience [19]. Group 5: Market Evolution - The hand cream market is transitioning from a focus on basic moisturizing to a more nuanced approach that combines effectiveness with emotional resonance, creating new opportunities for brands [21].

Core Viewpoint - The breakthrough of "transdermal collagen" technology by Furuida Biological Co., under the brand Kemi, marks a significant advancement in the global cosmetics science arena, showcasing China's transition from application follower to principle definer in beauty technology [3][4][10]. Group 1: Event Overview - The 79th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) was held in New York on December 16, 2025, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the SCC, which is a historic and influential academic platform in the cosmetics science field [5]. - The conference theme "Science Reimagined" indicates the ongoing transformation within the industry, with a focus on innovative technologies from Chinese enterprises [5][9]. Group 2: Technology Breakthrough - Kemi's report highlighted a 27.5 times increase in the permeability of large molecular collagen, addressing the long-standing challenge of low absorption rates in skincare applications [3][14]. - The technology utilizes a "transdermal engine" that integrates a short peptide sequence capable of penetrating cell membranes into the collagen gene, allowing the collagen to actively enter skin cells [12]. Group 3: Scientific Validation - The efficacy of the transdermal collagen was validated through rigorous scientific methods, including Raman spectroscopy, ensuring that the technology is grounded in real physiological conditions and consumer experiences [4][20]. - Clinical trials demonstrated that after 28 days of using the Kemi Recombined Collagen Anti-Wrinkle Essence, participants experienced a 17.16% reduction in crow's feet and a 23.24% reduction in frown lines, confirming the product's effectiveness [16]. Group 4: Market Impact - Kemi's products have achieved significant market success, with the "transdermal collagen essence" becoming a top-selling item shortly after launch, reflecting consumer demand for scientifically validated anti-aging products [21][23]. - The brand's positioning as a high-end product with a clear technological narrative has resulted in a customer price point significantly above the industry average, breaking the traditional price barriers for domestic brands [21][23]. Group 5: Future Implications - The success of Kemi at the SCC signifies a new phase for Chinese beauty technology, transitioning from product and ingredient output to technology solution output, showcasing the competitive edge of Chinese enterprises in global innovation [23][24]. - The global collagen market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 40%, indicating a shift in competition towards a focus on bioactive design, intelligent delivery technology, and scientific efficacy validation [24].

Core Viewpoint - The globalization of Chinese beauty brands has reached a new turning point, shifting from a focus on single products or channels to a brand system-centric approach, emphasizing long-term brand recognition and memory retention [3][4][6]. Group 1: INTO YOU's Globalization Strategy - INTO YOU's recent launch of the "M.LanPanda" collaboration marks a significant step in its global strategy, indicating a transition towards brand identity and long-term recognition [3][4][11]. - The brand's strategy highlights a departure from traditional paths, focusing on product strength as an entry point and brand power for differentiation [8][10]. - The collaboration with the globally recognized Chinese IP "Panda" serves as a universal interface for brand globalization, maintaining consistency across different cultural contexts [10][11]. Group 2: Product Development and Market Adaptation - INTO YOU has established a robust product innovation framework, addressing consumer pain points in the Chinese lip makeup market and creating a new category with its "Lip Mud" series [13][16]. - The brand's product line has expanded to include over 200 SKUs, covering various makeup needs and adapting to local markets, such as introducing bagged lip mud for Southeast Asia's humid climate [16][18]. - This systematic approach to product development has allowed INTO YOU to maintain brand recognition and adaptability in diverse cultural markets [18][29]. Group 3: Brand Identity and Marketing Strategy - INTO YOU's brand identity is characterized by a consistent aesthetic and visual system, which has enabled it to integrate into local beauty retail environments effectively [18][19]. - The brand's collaboration strategy focuses on enhancing brand recognition rather than merely adding cultural attributes, using IP as a tool to reinforce its identity as a "color expert" [22][29]. - The structured approach to ambassador partnerships has aligned with product launches, creating a cohesive narrative that connects personalities, emotions, and colors [25][27]. Group 4: Market Expansion and Performance - Since its initial overseas expansion in 2021, INTO YOU has successfully penetrated 49 countries, with nearly 1,500 offline stores and overseas sales exceeding 150 million yuan [30][31]. - The brand's growth in emerging markets, such as Vietnam, has been driven by localized product adaptation and effective channel collaboration, achieving top rankings in online sales [32][34]. - In mature markets like Japan, INTO YOU has entered mainstream retail systems, validating its brand capabilities and providing a foundation for future regional expansion [33][34]. Group 5: Recognition and Cultural Integration - INTO YOU has received multiple awards in overseas markets, validating its product quality and enhancing its credibility in high-barrier retail channels [34][36]. - The brand's participation in international cultural events, such as MAMA and New York Fashion Week, has increased its visibility and established connections with global youth culture [37][39]. - The brand's recognition as an outstanding cross-border brand at the Shanghai Import Expo signifies its successful integration into the global market [40]. Group 6: Conclusion on Brand Evolution - INTO YOU's journey from "product export" to "brand export" reflects a new phase in the globalization of Chinese beauty brands, emphasizing systematic brand building as a core strategy for long-term success [42].

Core Viewpoint - Coty Group is undergoing a significant leadership change with Markus Strobel appointed as Executive Chairman and Interim CEO, marking a strategic shift aimed at restructuring and enhancing the company's market position in high-end fragrances and mass beauty sectors [1][2][3]. Leadership Transition - Markus Strobel, a veteran from Procter & Gamble with over 30 years of experience, will lead Coty during a critical phase of strategic review and business transformation [1][2]. - Strobel's dual role as Executive Chairman and Interim CEO indicates he will have substantial authority to drive change during the transition period, despite the CEO title being temporary [3][4]. Background of New Leadership - Strobel's career at Procter & Gamble includes various roles across multiple sectors, with notable success in revitalizing the SK-II brand, particularly in the Chinese market [4][5]. - His leadership at SK-II resulted in 18 consecutive quarters of growth, with a 30% sales increase in 2018, showcasing his capability in brand rejuvenation and digital transformation [4][5]. Strategic Context - The leadership change reflects Coty's transition from a phase of "repair and stabilization" to one of "strategic restructuring and accelerated growth," indicating a potential overhaul in strategic focus, operational models, and organizational culture [8][10]. - Coty faces structural challenges post-pandemic, with approximately 60% of its net revenue derived from high-end fragrance business, which is increasingly vulnerable due to reliance on a few key licensed brands [12][20]. Financial Performance and Challenges - Coty's financial performance has been under pressure, with a reported net revenue of $1.577 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, down 8% year-over-year, and a market capitalization around $2.9 billion against a debt of $3.8 billion [20]. - The company is also experiencing a decline in its mass beauty segment, with a reported 11% drop in net revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, continuing a trend from the previous fiscal year [20]. Strategic Initiatives - To mitigate risks from core license losses, Coty is expanding its brand portfolio by signing new beauty licensing agreements and launching its own fragrance brand, INFINIMENT COTY PARIS, which aims to innovate in the fragrance sector [16][18]. - The new leadership is expected to introduce a more targeted strategy, potentially focusing on high-end skincare and re-evaluating Coty's approach in the color cosmetics sector [23][25]. Future Outlook - The appointment of Strobel signifies a new strategic cycle for Coty, with expectations for a systematic approach to brand management and operational efficiency, leveraging his extensive experience from Procter & Gamble [21][27]. - The beauty industry will closely monitor how Coty adapts its market strategies, particularly in key markets like China, under Strobel's leadership [27].

调配、涂抹、等待凝固、整片揭下。 ——这套曾经只在美容院完成的护肤仪式，如今正以高于面膜市场均速的增长，走入千万家庭 的梳妆台。 最近，央视网纪实栏目《新视界》探访了中国护肤品牌"造物者"的研发实验室。画面中没有喧 嚣的生产线，也没有宏大的营销叙事，只有工程师与粉体、液体反复对话的"安静"日常。这场 被称为 "与材质的对话" 的研发 ，正悄然撬动一个被长期低估的细分赛道——软膜。 造物者（ZAOWOO），这个被沙利文认证为"中国软膜销量第一"的品牌，成立仅两年多便服 务超千万消费者，单月销售额突破5 0 0 0万，成为这股潮流中最受瞩目的推动者与定义者。 图：央视网纪实栏目《新视界》探访造物者软膜工厂 中国面膜市场的发展历程，是一部围绕"效率"与"体验"不断迭代的进化史。 根 据 欧 睿 国 际 的 数 据 ， 2 0 2 4 年 中 国 面 膜 市 场 整 体 规 模 已 达 5 8 7 亿 元 人 民 币 ， 步 入 存 量 竞 争 阶 段。其中，以即时便捷为核心优势的贴片面膜，凭借约6 2%的市场份额构筑了稳固的护城河， 但增长曲线已逐渐平缓，显露出创新内卷的疲态。 与此同时，一个源于专业院线、曾被大众 ...

Core Viewpoint - The beauty industry is transitioning from a "traffic-driven" growth model to a "technology-driven" endurance model, necessitating a reevaluation of value assessment based on technological innovation and manufacturing capabilities [6][10]. Group 1: Policy and Industry Trends - The National Medical Products Administration released two significant documents emphasizing "raw material innovation" and the establishment of internal raw material incubators in leading companies, marking a long-term strategic direction for the beauty industry [4]. - The focus on biomanufacturing as a key future industry has been reiterated in government reports, indicating a systemic push from research to industry regulation [8]. Group 2: Company Strategy and Positioning - Companies like Huaxi Biological, which have built biotechnological and manufacturing capabilities over the past two decades, are now being reassessed for their strategic significance in the new industry landscape [5]. - Huaxi Biological's consistent investment in R&D, exceeding 2.2 billion yuan since its listing in 2019, positions it among the industry leaders in innovation [12]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - Huaxi Biological is pioneering the synthetic biology approach to PDRN production, addressing traditional issues related to safety and efficacy through innovative methods [17][18]. - The establishment of a large-scale synthetic biology pilot transformation platform, with over 3 billion yuan invested, enables the systematic conversion of research outcomes into scalable products [21]. Group 4: Market Dynamics and Valuation Logic - The market is shifting its focus from immediate sales performance to long-term capabilities, emphasizing the importance of a company's ability to anchor itself for the next five to ten years [9][10]. - Huaxi Biological's ability to maintain a stable cash flow from its raw materials and medical terminal businesses supports its ongoing R&D efforts, allowing it to navigate industry fluctuations without sacrificing long-term goals [28]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The beauty industry's core competitiveness is increasingly centered on biotechnological and biomanufacturing capabilities, as evidenced by international giants investing in similar technologies [22]. - Huaxi Biological's comprehensive biotechnological and manufacturing system is seen as a "ticket" to navigate through industry cycles, with its true value beginning to be recognized by the market [31].

Core Viewpoint - MISTINE has developed an AI model named SCOPE-DTI, marking a significant advancement in the beauty industry by creating a proprietary AI infrastructure for product innovation, as opposed to merely using AI for market analysis or marketing optimization [3][5][7]. Group 1: AI Model Development - The SCOPE-DTI model, published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, represents the first self-trained AI model in the beauty industry, indicating a shift towards proprietary technology in product development [4][7]. - This model addresses a critical bottleneck in drug development by efficiently predicting interactions between new compounds and protein targets, thus transforming the traditional beauty ingredient development process from trial-and-error to precision-guided methods [10][11]. Group 2: Technological Paradigm Shift - The introduction of the SCOPE-DTI model signifies a fundamental paradigm shift in cosmetic research, moving from experience-driven methods to data-driven predictions, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of ingredient selection [11][12]. - The model utilizes advanced algorithms and integrates data from 13 authoritative international databases, achieving over 80% experimental validation success rate, which significantly surpasses the average performance of general AI models [12]. Group 3: Commercial Application and Recognition - MISTINE has been recognized as the first brand to systematically apply this AI model in the specific area of "anti-light damage," achieving full industrialization of its research [14]. - The brand's proactive approach in 2022, participating in the development of guidelines for active ingredient development based on computational biology, laid the groundwork for its subsequent commercial success [15]. Group 4: Product Innovation and Market Position - The evolution of MISTINE's core ingredient "Yuguang Filter" exemplifies the role of AI in accelerating and optimizing product development, expanding the competitive dimension of sunscreen technology [20]. - MISTINE has established a strong market presence in various categories, including sunscreen and makeup, achieving significant sales milestones and leading positions in the Chinese market [22][26]. Group 5: Strategic Expansion and Future Outlook - The brand's strategic focus on skincare, leveraging its existing AI capabilities, indicates a calculated move into high-value segments with less competition, such as anti-aging products [28][29]. - MISTINE's development trajectory illustrates a clear path for the beauty industry, emphasizing the importance of technological originality and foundational research in building long-term competitive advantages [31][32].