Core Insights - The Chinese peptide cosmetics market is rapidly growing, becoming one of the fastest-growing segments in the global beauty industry due to unique market vitality and local innovation [3][29] - Domestic brands, exemplified by Kans, have successfully captured consumer attention through precise positioning and technological breakthroughs, leading to a market dominated by local products and multi-polar competition [4][29] Market Size Expansion - The market size of Chinese peptide cosmetics surged from 4.73 billion yuan in 2019 to 12.21 billion yuan in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.5% [6] - Projections indicate that the market will reach 19.45 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 59.3% [7] Supply Chain Growth - The growth in finished products has significantly boosted the entire supply chain, particularly the raw materials segment, which is expected to reach 2.32 billion yuan by 2025, with a CAGR of 12.5% from 2021 to 2025 [9] Product Registration Surge - As of July 31, 2025, the number of cosmetics registered with "peptide" as a keyword reached 63,510, with 25,727 products still valid, indicating a rising trend in new product registrations [10] Domestic Brand Dominance - International brands have failed to leverage their early advantages in the peptide sector, while domestic brands like Kans lead the market with a 34.59% share in 2024 [13][14] - The success of domestic brands is attributed to concentrated resource investment, broader price coverage, and efficient online channel conversions [13] Diverse Applications - Peptides are predominantly used in skincare (89.68%), followed by hair care (5.95%) and oral care (1.67%), with skincare products focusing on hydration and anti-aging [15][16] Ingredient Competition - The leading ingredients in the peptide cosmetics market are Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8 (22.85%) and Hexapeptide-9 (21.78%), indicating a concentrated competitive landscape [17] Innovation Pathways - The market is characterized by two main innovation trends: synergistic formulation and ingredient iteration, with a significant number of new peptide ingredients registered since 2021 [19] Driving Forces of Growth - The explosive growth of the peptide cosmetics market is driven by three core forces: rising consumer demand for effective anti-aging solutions, regulatory reforms enhancing innovation, and advancements in biotechnology and supply chain maturity [21][29] Future Trends - The market is expected to face challenges such as intensified competition and high consumer education costs, while also moving towards deeper technological innovation, expanded application scenarios, and more precise efficacy claims [31]

Core Viewpoint - The entry of the domestic beauty brand CENSTO into Sephora marks a significant shift in Sephora's brand selection strategy, moving from a focus on high-end products to embracing market-validated and user-recognized brands, indicating a potential recalibration of the definition of "high quality" in the beauty market [7][9][10]. Group 1: CENSTO's Entry into Sephora - CENSTO officially announced its entry into Sephora on November 20, 2025, with four key eyebrow makeup products available in Sephora's offline flagship store [3]. - CENSTO is the only domestic brand focusing on professional eye makeup among the new brands entering Sephora China in 2025 [4]. - The four core products from CENSTO are priced around 50 yuan, significantly lower than the mid-to-high price range typically associated with Sephora's offerings [8][9]. Group 2: Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - The beauty market in China is experiencing a "value return" trend, with younger consumers shifting their purchasing logic from "high price equals good quality" to "good quality justifies high price" [10]. - There is a growing demand for professional makeup products at accessible price points, particularly in the eyebrow and eye makeup categories, where convenience and user-friendliness are prioritized [10][11]. - CENSTO's products, such as the dual-head eyebrow pencil and mascara, represent innovative solutions that meet real consumer needs, allowing the brand to build a broad user base [10][11]. Group 3: CENSTO's Growth Strategy - CENSTO's rapid growth is attributed to its focus on product functionality, effective e-commerce strategies, and reasonable pricing, making it a model for other domestic beauty brands [18][24]. - The brand has successfully captured market share in the eyebrow product segment, with its eyebrow pencil ranking first in sales on major platforms like Douyin and JD [16][18]. - CENSTO is expanding its product line to include lip products, indicating its ambition to transition from an eye-focused brand to a comprehensive makeup brand [21][22]. Group 4: Industry Implications - CENSTO's entry into Sephora may signal a new norm in the beauty industry, where domestic brands can successfully penetrate high-end retail channels by addressing genuine consumer needs and offering differentiated products [11][35]. - The case of CENSTO illustrates that domestic brands are not limited by channel opportunities but must focus on understanding user needs and delivering stable, popular products [35].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the emergence of recombinant collagen as a significant anti-aging ingredient developed in China, marking a shift in the beauty industry where domestic brands gain authority in core raw materials, moving from a follower to a leader position in the global market [3][4][5]. Group 1: Company Overview - Marubi Biotech is one of the few companies in China that has achieved full-chain self-research and production of recombinant collagen, positioning itself as a representative of high-end beauty technology in the country [5][6]. - The company has played a crucial role in establishing national industry standards for recombinant collagen, transitioning from an industry participant to a standard setter, which signifies its technical authority [6][7]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - Marubi has developed a comprehensive research and production chain in the functional protein field, including gene editing, fermentation expression, structural verification, separation purification, and formula application [7][11]. - The establishment of the "National Recombinant Functional Protein Technology Research Center" under Marubi indicates its capability to not only serve its product development but also provide technical output to the industry [11][12]. Group 3: Product Development and Efficacy - Marubi's products, such as the "Recombinant Double Collagen," have achieved significant breakthroughs, including the first global production of high-activity recombinant human collagen through self-research and the use of translation pause technology [13][14]. - Clinical trials have shown that Marubi's products can effectively reduce wrinkle volume, with a reported 56.83% reduction in under-eye wrinkles and 13.18% in nasolabial folds after seven days of use [17][20]. Group 4: Market Strategy and Future Outlook - Marubi aims to establish a global presence by setting up research centers abroad and forming joint ventures, reflecting a shift from merely exporting products to a more comprehensive output of technology, standards, and brand culture [28][29]. - The company's vision includes creating a beauty standard that transcends cultural boundaries, emphasizing the importance of scientific research and long-term commitment to quality over short-term gains [28][30].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses how the competitive landscape of the Double Eleven shopping festival has evolved from a focus on short-term traffic acquisition to a long-term strategy centered on brand trust and consumer loyalty, exemplified by the Chinese beauty brand Chando's innovative approach during this year's event [4][5][22]. Group 1: Chando's Strategy - Chando implemented a significant "1 billion RMB subsidy" strategy, moving away from price wars to focus on brand value and consumer trust [4][6][13]. - The brand's approach included a comprehensive marketing strategy that combined subsidies, celebrity endorsements, and extensive outreach to maximize consumer engagement [7][14]. - Chando's subsidy initiative was designed to create a perception of sincerity and inclusivity, effectively countering consumer fatigue from traditional promotional tactics [7][10]. Group 2: Market Trends - The article highlights a shift in consumer behavior, with 51.27% of users motivated by the price of essential goods, while impulsive buying driven by promotional atmospheres has decreased to 24.94% [12]. - Consumers are increasingly focused on quality-price ratios, indicating a demand for high-value products rather than mere discounts [12][13]. Group 3: Execution and Impact - Chando's marketing matrix included a multi-channel approach, ensuring that the "1 billion subsidy" was effectively communicated across all platforms, enhancing user experience and brand perception [15][21]. - The brand's collaboration with global ambassador Gong Jun significantly boosted visibility and consumer trust, leading to impressive engagement metrics during the campaign [16][17]. - Chando achieved remarkable sales growth during Double Eleven, with offline sales increasing by over 50% and online sales seeing a growth of over 30% in key categories [25]. Group 4: Long-term Considerations - The article emphasizes the importance of continuous product innovation, customer service, and compelling brand narratives to convert new customers into loyal ones post-promotion [27]. - Chando's success during Double Eleven is seen as a case study for navigating the challenges of promotional sameness in the market, focusing on value commitment and brand trust [22][27].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the release of the "Opinions on Deepening Cosmetic Regulation Reform to Promote High-Quality Development" by the National Medical Products Administration, which outlines 24 reform opinions and 48 specific measures aimed at modernizing the regulatory system and upgrading the cosmetic industry in China by 2035 [4][5][21]. Group 1: Reform Objectives - The document aims to achieve a regulatory system that meets international advanced standards by 2035, enhancing the innovation capacity and global competitiveness of the cosmetic industry [4][21]. - It sets a two-step goal: by 2030, to improve regulatory frameworks and risk management systems, and by 2035, to fully modernize the regulatory approach [21][22]. Group 2: Key Reform Areas - Encouraging innovation by establishing fast-track review channels for new efficacy cosmetics and supporting the development of products for the elderly [6][13]. - Optimizing registration and filing management to enhance service efficiency, including simplifying documentation and establishing a collaborative review mechanism [7][25]. - Strengthening production and operational supervision to build a risk prevention system, including differentiated regulatory measures based on risk levels [8][27]. - Solidifying technical support to modernize regulatory capabilities, including enhancing the review and inspection workforce and promoting the use of artificial intelligence [10][31]. - Promoting international alignment to enhance global competitiveness, including reducing animal testing requirements and improving the adaptability of raw materials [11][30]. Group 3: Highlights of the Reform - Establishing a fast-track review mechanism for new efficacy products to stimulate research and development [13][16]. - Positioning China as a global launch site for new products by removing barriers to international product launches [14][16]. - Focusing on the "silver economy" by encouraging the development of cosmetics tailored for the elderly [15][16]. - Implementing electronic label trials to enhance consumer experience and support sustainable development [15][16]. - Improving the quality management system within three years to address industry weaknesses [18][24]. Group 4: Industry Context - The Chinese cosmetic market is projected to exceed 1 trillion yuan by 2024, becoming the largest global market, with over 2.3 million product registrations as of October 2025 [18][24]. - Despite rapid growth, the industry faces challenges such as insufficient innovation capabilities and a lagging quality management system [18][19][24]. - The article emphasizes the need for a modernized regulatory framework to address these challenges and enhance the industry's competitiveness on a global scale [20][22].

Core Insights - The 2025 Double Eleven event concluded with a total transaction volume of 169.5 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year growth of 14.2% [3] - The event has shifted from a "single-point explosive promotion mechanism" to a "long-cycle comprehensive operational test" [4][25] - The importance of omnichannel operational capabilities has been emphasized, with brands and platforms undergoing significant transformations [4] Sales Performance - Household appliances and mobile digital devices contributed the most to overall growth, with clothing in third place and personal care and beauty products maintaining a steady fourth position with an 8.2% market share [5] - The beauty and skincare category dominated with sales of 99.1 billion yuan, showing a year-on-year growth rate of 11.65% [9] Market Dynamics - The top brands in the beauty and skincare category remained stable, indicating strong brand power and supply chain resilience [10] - Significant changes were observed from the second to fifth positions, with brands like 修丽可 and 赫莲娜 entering the top ranks, reflecting a shift towards a new competitive landscape [12] - In the fragrance and makeup categories, foreign brands maintained dominance, while domestic brands like 毛戈平 and 卡姿兰 began to establish their presence [14] Channel Strategies - Tmall's beauty rankings are dominated by international brands, while Douyin showcases a strong presence of domestic brands, indicating a divergence in channel strategies [16] - The growth structure of beauty brands has evolved to include "influencer-driven hits + brand self-broadcasting + big-ticket items" [17] Promotional Strategies - The promotional period for Double Eleven has extended beyond 30 days, with brands focusing on pre-sale strategies to optimize inventory and marketing efforts [21][22] - The sales curve has diversified, with brands employing strategies to create peaks in sales during different phases of the promotional cycle [24] AI Integration - AI has begun to permeate consumer decision-making and merchant operations, enhancing the shopping experience and operational efficiency [27][28] - Platforms like Tmall and JD have introduced AI-driven services to assist consumers and merchants, significantly improving operational capabilities [30][32][35] - The integration of AI is reshaping the competitive landscape, emphasizing the importance of technological efficiency over resource density [39][40] Industry Evolution - The Double Eleven event has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, reflecting broader trends in consumer behavior and brand strategies [41] - Platforms are increasingly differentiating their strategies, with Tmall focusing on a comprehensive consumption platform and Douyin emphasizing content-driven commerce [42] - User engagement is shifting from transactional relationships to long-term asset accumulation, with brands leveraging membership tools to enhance customer loyalty [43] - The value of Double Eleven is transitioning from mere transaction efficiency to ecosystem empowerment, fostering a more rational and long-term relationship among platforms, brands, and consumers [45]

Core Insights - Kose Group is transitioning from a defensive strategy to a strategic offensive approach in the Chinese market, emphasizing localization and technological differentiation in response to the evolving beauty market dynamics [3][31]. Group 1: Kose's Market Strategy - Kose has participated in the China International Import Expo for five consecutive years, showcasing its commitment to the Chinese market [3]. - The company aims to transform China from an "important market" to an "innovation engine" through its unique "smart beauty" logic [3][4]. - Kose's recent strategic shift includes a focus on local innovation and technology, moving away from mere scale expansion [3][31]. Group 2: Product Innovation - The launch of "Decorte AQ Active Pore Cleansing Oil," a product developed using quantum computing technology, marks a significant innovation in the cosmetics industry [5][7]. - This product is the first of its kind to apply quantum computing in cosmetics formulation, significantly reducing the time required for product development [7][10]. - Kose's research team has created a universal artificial pore model to address the complex issue of pore blockage, leading to the development of a scientifically-backed product [11][15]. Group 3: Market Performance - Kose's recent financial report indicates a remarkable 20.9% growth in the Chinese market, signaling a recovery after six consecutive quarters of decline [34]. - The company is expected to achieve profitability for the year, reflecting a successful turnaround strategy [34]. Group 4: Corporate Governance - Kose Group is transitioning to a holding company structure, marking a significant shift in its governance model, which is expected to enhance its adaptability to market changes [34][37]. - The appointment of a new CEO from within the company signifies a move towards modern corporate management practices [35][37]. Group 5: Future Outlook - Kose plans to leverage advanced technologies like quantum computing and iPS cell research to develop products tailored to Chinese consumer needs [42]. - The company is committed to expanding its brand presence and product offerings in China, aiming for a more localized approach to meet diverse consumer demands [40][41].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant achievement of Furuida Biological Co., which has been recognized as the "global pioneer in biosynthetic royal jelly acid" by the China Flavor and Fragrance Cosmetic Industry Association, marking a major milestone in the innovation of cosmetic raw materials [3][4][25]. Group 1: Background and Significance - Royal jelly acid, a key component found in royal jelly, has been studied for its various biological activities, including antibacterial, anti-tumor, and antioxidant properties, earning it titles like "liquid gold" and "longevity factor" [9][10]. - The natural extraction of royal jelly acid is limited, with a yield of only 1.4% to 2.4%, leading to high costs and limited production capacity [10][11]. - Furuida has successfully transitioned from theoretical validation to industrial application in the biosynthesis of royal jelly acid, establishing itself at the forefront of cosmetic ingredient innovation [3][11]. Group 2: Technological Breakthroughs - Furuida has achieved several global firsts in the field of royal jelly acid technology, including the first comprehensive elucidation of its biosynthetic pathway and the first core patent for its biosynthesis method [12][13]. - The company has developed a biosynthetic process that utilizes decanoic acid as a substrate, achieving high yields and environmental friendliness, which has been validated through extensive research and experimentation [20][21]. - The biosynthetic royal jelly acid has been shown to possess the same structural characteristics and biological activity as natural royal jelly acid, demonstrating its efficacy in skincare applications [21][23]. Group 3: Market Impact and Future Directions - Furuida's product line, including the "Jingyan Jinzhi" series, has successfully entered the market, achieving notable sales rankings on platforms like Tmall, indicating strong consumer interest and validation of the product's effectiveness [16][25]. - The recognition of Furuida as a global pioneer signifies a shift in the Chinese cosmetic industry towards innovation in raw materials, moving away from reliance on imported high-end ingredients [25][28]. - The advancements made by Furuida in biosynthetic royal jelly acid not only address supply issues but also provide a sustainable model for the industry, showcasing the potential of synthetic biology in creating high-value cosmetic ingredients [27][28].

Core Insights - The beauty industry is undergoing a technological transformation, with the integration of medical research driving value upgrades in cosmetics. This dual integration of medicine and beauty is defining a new competitive logic in the industry [3][6][24]. Industry Trends - The 20th China Dermatology Association (CDA) conference showcased over 10,000 dermatologists and more than 100 companies, including both domestic and international beauty brands, highlighting the industry's focus on scientific collaboration [3][4]. - The concept of "medical-research co-creation" emerged as a key theme, with brands actively participating in discussions on how to contribute to the skin science system, moving from mere users of research to active participants in scientific understanding and industry standards [7][24]. Brand Innovations - Winona, a brand known for its scientific foundation, showcased its "NUTE" principle at CDA 2025, which emphasizes clinical needs, unique mechanisms, technology empowerment, and credible evidence in product development [10]. - HBN, a domestic skincare brand, initiated the establishment of a group standard for "Cosmetic Efficacy Evidence Weight Assessment Guidelines," aiming to shift the industry from experience-driven to evidence-based competition [11][13]. - Estee Lauder's Clinique presented a white paper on the causes and distribution patterns of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, demonstrating the brand's commitment to scientific validation [14][16]. Research and Development - The integration of research and clinical application is evident in the initiatives taken by brands like Giant Bio and Zhenyan Bio, which are expanding the boundaries of medical-research co-creation through innovative collagen products and clinical studies [20][22]. - The collaboration between brands and medical experts is evolving, with companies like Ximu Yuan conducting extensive research on sensitive skin, showcasing a shift from being mere users of research to contributors to scientific inquiry [24][25]. Future Outlook - The CDA conference highlighted a significant shift in the beauty industry towards a more scientific and collaborative approach, with brands, medical institutions, and research organizations forming a new ecosystem that emphasizes shared data and mutual advancement [47][48]. - The focus on original ingredient research is becoming a core strategy for leading domestic brands, as they aim to differentiate themselves from homogenized competition [38][39].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the establishment of a scientific "evidence weight" assessment system for cosmetic efficacy claims, led by the domestic skincare brand HBN in collaboration with the China Quality Inspection Institute's Cosmetics Technology Center. This initiative aims to address consumer confusion regarding the reliability of efficacy claims in the skincare industry and to create a credible standard for evaluating such claims [5][10][12]. Group 1: Industry Challenges and Developments - The skincare industry is transitioning from an "era of claims" to an "era of verification," with the National Medical Products Administration of China having issued guidelines for evaluating efficacy claims in 2021 [8]. - Despite the influx of efficacy data, the industry faces challenges such as insufficient scientific rigor, fragmented evidence chains, and unclear supporting logic, leading to a situation where the quantity of evidence does not equate to quality [8][10]. - A survey indicated that 68.09% of consumers believe that "laboratory data does not equal real effects," highlighting skepticism towards efficacy claims and concerns over misleading marketing practices [10][11]. Group 2: HBN's Role and Innovations - HBN has taken the initiative to establish a scientific assessment standard for cosmetic efficacy, addressing industry issues and consumer expectations by creating a credible evaluation system for efficacy evidence [12][13]. - The brand has developed a rigorous "full-link multi-dimensional verification system" that includes AI molecular prediction, laboratory research, and real-world testing, ensuring that product efficacy is scientifically validated [17][22]. - HBN's commitment to scientific rigor and long-term research investment has positioned it as a leader in the industry, with over 40 published international SCI papers and more than 5,000 third-party efficacy tests conducted [25][27]. Group 3: Future Implications and Industry Impact - The establishment of the efficacy assessment standard is expected to enhance the overall quality and transparency of the skincare industry, fostering consumer trust and encouraging brands to adopt more rigorous scientific methods [13][22]. - HBN's approach represents a shift towards a more responsible and scientifically grounded skincare market, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory results and consumer experiences [12][28]. - The brand's focus on foundational research and open innovation is seen as a sustainable path for growth, distinguishing it from competitors that rely on rapid trends and financing [27][28].