Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the long-term commitment of the company, Shiseido, to cultural heritage protection through its partnership with the Dunhuang Research Institute and the China Dunhuang Grottoes Protection Research Foundation, highlighting the integration of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship in preserving the Dunhuang caves [4][9][27]. Group 1: Cultural Heritage Protection Initiatives - In 2019, Shiseido began its involvement in the protection of Dunhuang cultural heritage and has since deepened its commitment through the "Guarding the Caves, Guarding Beauty" initiative, which aims to enhance public awareness and support for cultural heritage [4][7]. - The "14th Five-Year Plan" for cultural development in China has included cultural heritage protection as a national strategy, positioning the Dunhuang caves as a vital link between Chinese and global civilizations [5]. - The company has launched various initiatives, including a documentary titled "Beauty, Not Oxidation," to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting the Mogao Caves [5][7]. Group 2: Innovative Approaches to Cultural Engagement - Shiseido has introduced innovative experiential formats to make cultural heritage protection tangible, allowing participants to engage directly with the restoration processes of the murals and sculptures [16][17]. - The company has collaborated with the Beijing Exhibition Center to expand the influence of its cultural heritage initiatives, reinforcing its brand vision of "Guarding Beauty" [19][21]. Group 3: Long-term Commitment and Brand Philosophy - Shiseido's actions reflect a commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), balancing commercial and social values while actively participating in cultural heritage protection [23]. - The brand's focus on scientific skincare aligns with its cultural initiatives, creating a narrative of "dual protection" that addresses both skin health and the preservation of cultural artifacts [26][27]. - Over five years, Shiseido has evolved its approach from simple donations to comprehensive engagement, demonstrating that corporate philanthropy can be a core strategic element rather than an ancillary activity [21][27].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of developing a star ingredient in the Chinese market, where domestic brands are shifting from relying on traffic to building trust through self-researched key ingredients, focusing on precise care, high cost-effectiveness, and scientific backing [2][3][8]. Market Trends - The maturity of ingredient-focused consumers is leading to higher expectations for clinical validation, suitability for local skin types, and research history of ingredients [2]. - The traditional market logic of foreign brands, where "star ingredients equal strong brands," is being rewritten as domestic brands build cultural and technological confidence through rigorous research [3][8]. Brand Development - Domestic brands are focusing on creating "super brands" before developing star ingredients, which is crucial for their self-researched ingredients to gain prominence [6]. - The brand "Zhenyan" has established a strong professional image in the skincare market by integrating biotechnology and rigorous medical research, gaining recognition from over 500 dermatology professionals and being a top choice among clinical selections [6][8]. Ingredient Innovation - Zhenyan has successfully achieved large-scale production of recombinant mussel adhesive protein, overcoming previous challenges related to sourcing and environmental concerns [10][12]. - The unique properties of mussel adhesive protein, such as its high adhesion and film-forming capabilities, have been recognized in top scientific journals, establishing its efficacy in medical and academic circles [10][12]. Research and Development - Zhenyan has conducted over 1500 human efficacy validations for the recombinant mussel adhesive protein, confirming its rapid repair capabilities [12][15]. - The company has developed a comprehensive research and clinical verification system, collaborating with authoritative institutions to validate the efficacy of its products [15][17]. Market Performance - The Zhenyan Rapid Repair Essence, featuring recombinant mussel adhesive protein, has seen significant market success, selling over 16,000 bottles during the 2024 Double 11 shopping festival and achieving a 160% increase in sales during the 2025 618 event [27][29]. Strategic Positioning - Zhenyan is leveraging its technological breakthroughs to lead the market in the application of recombinant mussel adhesive protein, establishing itself as a leader in this emerging field [17][18]. - The brand's approach represents a strategic shift from marketing-driven to research-driven development, which is essential for long-term brand value and maturity in the domestic market [32].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that Proya is advancing its globalization strategy and gaining recognition in the international beauty market through a focus on technological innovation and long-term commitment [3][4]. Group 1: Globalization Strategy - Proya is positioned as China's first 10 billion beauty company, steadily progressing in its globalization strategy and establishing a presence in the global beauty technology forefront [4]. - The company showcased its global innovation strategy and latest research achievements at the Cosmetic 360 exhibition, signaling its commitment to international expansion [4][5]. Group 2: Technological Innovation - Proya has developed an AI-driven SaaS platform that provides comprehensive solutions for the cosmetics industry, significantly shortening R&D cycles and reducing trial-and-error costs [6]. - The company has integrated AI technology to enhance efficiency in product development, achieving a 50% increase in overall efficiency through the analysis of vast amounts of research literature [8]. Group 3: Research and Development - Proya has established a global R&D framework, including centers in Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Europe, focusing on basic research, application research, and clinical studies [20][21]. - The company has a dedicated team of 389 R&D personnel and has obtained 240 authorized patents, reinforcing its technological capabilities in key areas such as skin anti-aging and green materials [23]. Group 4: Product Innovation - Proya's Ruby Series 3.0, featuring the patented peptide ingredient "Peptide-161," represents a significant breakthrough in anti-aging ingredients, having been approved by the National Medical Products Administration [13][14]. - The Off&Relax series introduces advanced technologies for scalp care, including high molecular magnetic technology to effectively combat harmful bacteria [13]. Group 5: Future Outlook - Proya aims to rank among the top ten global cosmetics companies within the next decade, driven by its dual focus on consumer insights and global technological collaboration [23]. - The company's participation in major international events reflects its strategic positioning and commitment to innovation in the global beauty industry [19].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the breakthrough of the Chinese anti-aging skincare market, particularly focusing on the innovative "transdermal collagen" technology developed by Kemi, a brand under Furuida Biological Co., which has been recognized as a global pioneer in transdermal collagen skincare products [3][5][6]. Group 1: Market Context and Challenges - The anti-aging skincare market in China has surpassed 100 billion, with collagen becoming a key ingredient in many products, yet consumers face confusion regarding the effectiveness and authenticity of these products [3]. - Issues such as "mislabeling of collagen content" and "difficulty in verifying transdermal effects" have plagued the industry, leading to consumer skepticism [6][9]. - Despite familiarity with collagen, consumers struggle to differentiate between various types, such as collagen peptides and recombinant collagen, complicating their purchasing decisions [6]. Group 2: Kemi's Technological Innovation - Kemi has received certification as the "global pioneer in transdermal collagen skincare products" from Shangpu Consulting, validating its leading position in the industry through a dual verification mechanism of "technical definition + efficacy evidence" [5][7]. - The core of Kemi's innovation lies in embedding transdermal peptide segments into the recombinant type III collagen sequence, allowing for enhanced skin penetration without compromising the collagen's biological activity [9][11]. - Experimental data shows that Kemi's transdermal collagen has a 27.5 times higher penetration rate compared to ordinary recombinant collagen, providing tangible benefits for consumers [11][12]. Group 3: Consumer Reception and Market Performance - Kemi's products, priced around 350 yuan, are positioned as a high-end solution for anti-aging, with strong consumer acceptance reflected in sales performance [14][16]. - The brand achieved significant sales milestones, including a record-breaking GMV of 15.2 million yuan during a live-streaming event, indicating robust market demand [14][16]. - Positive user feedback on social media highlights the effectiveness of Kemi's products, reinforcing the brand's credibility and consumer trust [19][20]. Group 4: Industry Standards and Future Implications - Kemi's technology is not only a product innovation but also a catalyst for industry evolution, establishing new standards for collagen efficacy and consumer trust [21][22]. - The establishment of testing standards and clinical guidelines for skincare products marks a significant step towards addressing market pain points and enhancing the integration of efficacy in skincare and medical aesthetics [22][23]. - Furuida's ongoing commitment to research and development positions it as a leader in the beauty industry, paving the way for a future where technology-driven skincare becomes the norm [23][24].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and the integration of emotional well-being with skincare, highlighting the brand's initiative to promote a philosophy of "self-pleasure" through its activities and products [4][31]. Group 1: Brand Philosophy and Initiatives - The concept of "self-pleasure" has become a prevalent lifestyle choice, with the brand keenly observing user emotions and relationships to integrate social responsibility into its offerings [4][6]. - The brand's narrative revolves around "restructuring" relationships, which not only pertains to skincare but also to emotional and relational reconnections [6][12]. - The brand's core components include the C5HA recombinant collagen protein, which is scientifically formulated to enhance skin health while also addressing deeper emotional connections [7][8]. Group 2: Emotional Engagement and Activities - The brand's "self-pleasure" series of activities progresses through three phases: identity restructuring, energy restructuring, and relationship restructuring, reflecting the evolving psychological trends in society [9][11]. - The activities are designed to create a deeper emotional connection, transforming skincare routines into meaningful rituals that promote self-dialogue and emotional release [12][27]. - The brand collaborates with various organizations to raise awareness about mental health issues, including a partnership with a foundation to showcase artworks from individuals with depression, emphasizing the importance of emotional expression [24][25]. Group 3: Social Responsibility and Community Impact - The brand's initiatives extend beyond product promotion to include community engagement and emotional support, aiming to foster a more inclusive environment for mental health discussions [34][36]. - The company has implemented internal programs focused on emotional care, reinforcing its commitment to mental health awareness within its corporate culture [36]. - The brand's efforts to integrate social responsibility into its core operations demonstrate a commitment to addressing broader societal challenges related to mental health [34][37].

Core Insights - L'Oréal China aims to reach 150 million consumers by 2030, with a focus on men aged 15 and above as a key demographic [3][4] - The men's beauty market is experiencing significant growth, with men's hair care sales soaring by 122.75% and men's foundation sales increasing by 228.78% in the first eight months of the year [3][8] - The competitive landscape is shifting, with traditional brands facing challenges while new entrants like KANS and SAZA are achieving rapid growth [4][15] Market Performance - In the first eight months of the year, the four main categories of men's beauty products generated a total transaction value of 60.35 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 10.39% [9] - Men's facial care remains the largest segment, while men's hair care has emerged as a significant growth area, indicating a shift in consumer needs [10][13] - The top-performing categories include men's care sets, men's shampoo, and men's foundation, with the latter showing the highest growth rate [12][13] Brand Dynamics - The top 20 brands in the men's beauty market show a split, with 9 brands experiencing a decline in sales, while 4 brands, including KANS and SAZA, report over 50% growth [18][19] - L'Oréal leads the market, followed by brands like Ocean King and Left and Right Color, which are gaining traction through targeted marketing and product innovation [15][19] - The competition is intensifying as both domestic and international brands expand their offerings, with a focus on men's skincare and grooming products [20][21] Consumer Trends - There is a noticeable shift towards more sophisticated skincare needs among men, with increasing interest in anti-aging and multifunctional products [21][22] - The demand for men's makeup products is rising, with a reported growth rate exceeding 25% in men's makeup consumption [29] - Brands are responding to these trends by diversifying their product lines to include more advanced and multifunctional offerings [36] Future Outlook - The men's beauty market is expected to continue evolving, with a focus on brand differentiation and comprehensive product offerings [35][36] - As competition intensifies, brands will need to enhance their research and development capabilities to meet the growing and changing demands of male consumers [36] - The market is poised for further growth, driven by shifts in consumer attitudes towards beauty and grooming among men [36]

Core Viewpoint - The announcement of international superstar Jackson Wang as the global ambassador for Han Shu signifies a transformative leap for the brand, marking a shift towards internationalization and a redefined brand image beyond traditional "national goods" labels [2][9][21]. Brand Transformation - Han Shu has evolved from a price-driven brand to one focused on scientific anti-aging, enhancing its product development and research capabilities [2][6]. - The collaboration with Jackson Wang represents a strategic upgrade in brand positioning, aiming to shed the image of being merely a "national alternative" and instead showcase a modern brand with technological and cultural depth [8][20]. Globalization Strategy - The partnership with an internationally influential figure like Jackson Wang allows Han Shu to expand its narrative and product experiences beyond China, aiming to establish itself as a representative of Chinese scientific beauty on the global stage [9][22]. - This move is part of Han Shu's ambition to become a "Chinese scientific beauty exporter," indicating a commitment to high-end transformation and international market penetration [9][21]. Market Performance - Han Shu has demonstrated strong market performance, maintaining a leading position on platforms like Douyin for 25 consecutive months and achieving significant sales milestones [10][16]. - The brand's user demographics show a concentration of over 74.95% in the 18-35 age range, indicating a strong appeal to the primary consumer base in the beauty market [10]. Research and Development - Han Shu has a robust foundation in research, having focused on peptide technology since 2003, and recently appointed a leading international expert to enhance its scientific capabilities [11][14]. - The introduction of the X Peptide series, featuring self-developed ingredients, exemplifies Han Shu's commitment to high-quality, effective skincare products that can compete with international brands [17][19]. Future Aspirations - The collaboration with Jackson Wang is seen as a strategic step towards achieving the brand's vision of becoming a billion-dollar entity, focusing on expanding its market presence and enhancing its product offerings [21][22]. - Han Shu aims to leverage its existing market dominance to build a sustainable growth trajectory that emphasizes premium positioning and international competitiveness [21].

Core Insights - The global beauty industry is experiencing a significant shift in personnel changes, moving from simple organizational restructuring to a deeper strategic integration through cross-industry and cross-regional appointments, aiming for a comprehensive reconstruction of research and development paradigms, experience output, business boundaries, and organizational ecosystems [2][4][6]. Group 1: R&D Paradigm Breakthrough - Estee Lauder appointed former PepsiCo Chief Scientist René Lammers as Executive Vice President and Chief Research and Innovation Officer, marking a significant shift towards a fast-to-market innovation model [8][10]. - Lammers' background in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) emphasizes efficiency and data-driven processes, which are crucial for traditional luxury beauty brands like Estee Lauder to overcome innovation bottlenecks [10][11]. Group 2: Ecosystem Linkage - Up Beauty appointed Dr. Karl Lintner, a pioneer in peptide beauty technology, as its Chief Scientific Advisor, marking the company's first such position [12][14]. - Lintner's role will focus on providing forward-looking planning for global peptide technology and facilitating connections with top international research institutions, representing a new path for local companies to acquire cutting-edge technology [15]. Group 3: Globalization of Chinese Market Experience - L'Oreal's personnel adjustments reflect a trend of exporting "Chinese market experience" globally, with Alexis Perakis-Valat, former CEO of L'Oreal China, appointed as CEO of L'Oreal USA [17][19]. - This strategic move aims to leverage Perakis-Valat's experience in agile digital marketing and complex multi-channel operations to address growth challenges in mature markets like North America [21]. Group 4: Strategic Expansion and Focus - Beiersdorf established a new position for President of "Derma & Health Care," integrating several brands to enhance strategic leadership in skin and health care, blurring the lines between beauty and health industries [23][24]. - In contrast, Coty is focusing on strategic contraction by integrating its high-end beauty and mass fragrance businesses to concentrate on its core strengths, aiming for sustainable profit growth [25][28]. Group 5: External Leadership Injection - LG Household & Health Care appointed Lee Sun-joo as CEO, a rare move in the Korean corporate landscape, to address stagnant domestic growth and enhance global market presence [31]. - Proya has built a diverse executive team with backgrounds in various industries to strengthen its brand and global competitiveness, indicating a shift towards a more systematic capability construction [37]. Group 6: Industry Trends - The personnel changes in Q3 2025 highlight a core trend in the beauty industry: competition has evolved from internal optimization to a boundary-less capability war, with the lines between beauty, technology, health, and new consumption increasingly blurred [38].

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded to immunologists highlights the breakthrough discovery of "peripheral immune tolerance mechanisms," particularly focusing on regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are crucial for maintaining skin health and understanding aging processes [3][8][10]. Group 1: Impact on Skin Health - The skin, as the largest peripheral immune organ, relies on a delicate balance of the immune system, and the Nobel Prize findings suggest that regulating Treg cell function could fundamentally maintain skin immune homeostasis, delay aging, and promote self-repair [6][8]. - Tregs play a vital role in distinguishing between self and non-self, preventing the immune system from attacking normal cells while effectively targeting pathogens [8][10]. - Research indicates that Tregs are abundant in hair follicle-rich areas of healthy skin, such as the scalp and face, emphasizing their importance in skin health [11]. Group 2: Mechanisms of Action - Tregs exert their effects through direct cell contact and the secretion of inhibitory cytokines, which finely tune the activity of effector T cells, preventing excessive inflammation while preserving normal defense functions [12]. - Tregs also participate in tissue repair by promoting keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, which is crucial for restoring skin barrier function after injury [12][13]. Group 3: Industry Trends and Challenges - The cosmetic industry is shifting from traditional anti-inflammatory approaches to a more fundamental focus on "immune homeostasis regulation," recognizing that healthy skin is characterized by a precise balance of immune responses rather than merely the absence of inflammation [12][13]. - Despite the excitement surrounding Tregs in cosmetics, industry experts express caution regarding their practical application, noting the complexity of pathways involved and the need for precise regulation [14][22]. - Companies like Shiseido are pioneering research in skin immunity, focusing on activating the skin's immune surveillance mechanisms rather than solely delaying cellular aging [16][18]. Group 4: Future Directions - The research on Tregs and peripheral immune tolerance is expected to lead to innovative cosmetic formulations that enhance skin health by targeting chronic inflammation and aging processes [13][30]. - The industry is moving towards a dual-driven innovation ecosystem where both academic research and industry efforts contribute to advancements in skin health products [30][28]. - The recognition of Tregs by the Nobel Prize signifies a maturation of the cosmetic industry, which is now seen as a contributor to scientific advancements rather than just an application of existing research [30][28].

Core Insights - The international beauty raw material companies are facing significant challenges in 2025 due to global economic fluctuations and unfavorable currency exchange rates, which have become the primary obstacle to growth [2][5] - Despite some growth in the beauty and personal care sectors, these companies are encountering new competitive pressures in the Chinese market, prompting a focus on innovation driven by scientific research [3][11] Financial Performance - The financial reports for the first half of 2025 show varying degrees of performance among international raw material companies, with overall sales and EBITDA experiencing fluctuations [5][6] - For instance, BASF reported a slight decline in overall sales by 1.48% but a growth of 3.6% in beauty raw materials, while DSM-Firmenich saw a 3.37% increase in overall sales but a decline in beauty raw materials by 0.89% [6] Market Trends - The Chinese market is viewed as a key opportunity for international raw material companies, despite increasing competition, as consumer preferences shift towards scientifically validated ingredients rather than trendy components [11][12] - The trend towards "scientific skincare" is pushing companies to develop active ingredients with clear scientific backing and clinical validation [14][21] Innovation and R&D - Companies are investing in advanced technologies and innovative ingredients tailored to the unique demands of the Chinese market, such as neurocosmetics that address emotional well-being and skin health [17][18] - The rise of neurocosmetics is evident, with a significant increase in products that offer emotional benefits, reflecting a shift in consumer focus from mere efficacy to sensory experiences [19][20] Strategic Approaches - International raw material companies are adopting a long-term approach to innovation, emphasizing foundational research and the development of a comprehensive scientific framework for their products [21][24] - Companies like DSM and Clariant are localizing their R&D efforts in China, aiming to create products that resonate with local consumer needs while building a robust scientific communication framework [26][27]