Core Insights - L'Oréal Group announced a minority stake investment in Chinese skincare brand LAN, marking its first investment in a local skincare brand since the establishment of its Chinese investment company, Meici Fang [1][2] - Meanwhile, Japanese brand Muji announced the closure of its Tmall flagship store, expected to officially close by December 11, 2025, highlighting a significant reshuffle in the Chinese beauty market [1][8] Investment Dynamics - The investment in LAN was supported by L'Oréal's strategic innovation risk investment fund, BOLD, and is seen as a key step in L'Oréal's deepening presence in China's beauty tech sector [2] - Meici Fang's investment history shows a focus on fragrance and raw material innovation, with LAN aligning perfectly with its investment criteria of digitalization, research, aesthetics, and originality [4] Brand Performance - Founded in 2019, LAN has achieved remarkable growth, reaching over 1 billion in annual sales within six years, driven by its "pure skincare" philosophy and innovative product concepts [5] - The brand has established a strong research foundation, with over 40 patents and plans to create China's first plant oil molecular database by 2025 [5] Market Challenges - Muji's exit from the Chinese market reflects the challenges faced by Japanese brands, which have struggled to adapt to the rapid shift in consumer preferences towards ingredient-focused and efficacy-driven skincare [8][11] - Since 2025, nine Japanese beauty brands, including Decorte and Sekkisei, have closed or exited the Chinese market, indicating a broader trend of international brands facing difficulties in the evolving landscape [12] Industry Trends - The simultaneous events of LAN's investment and Muji's exit illustrate a significant transformation in the Chinese beauty market, where local brands emphasizing technological innovation are rapidly rising [12] - The need for international brands to rethink their product development and marketing strategies is critical in order to regain consumer favor in an increasingly rational market [12]
欧莱雅首投中国纯净护肤品牌LAN兰,日系肌本科却黯然退出天猫