Core Insights - Scientific communication has become a key element for brand development in the beauty industry, as consumer demand for skincare knowledge and product efficacy continues to grow [1] - The current state of scientific communication among beauty brands is inconsistent, with many brands struggling to effectively convey their scientific narratives, leading to a lack of innovation and reduced conversion efficiency [1] Group 1: Brand Positioning and Market Recognition - Zhenyan has established itself as a leading brand in the field of dermatological skincare since its inception in 2015, focusing on skin barrier repair [2] - The brand's unique approach is characterized by a strong medical research background, with the founding team having nearly 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, which informs their rigorous product development process [2] - Zhenyan ranked in the top three choices of dermatologists for clinical skincare products, highlighting its professional standing and market recognition [4] Group 2: Product Development and Scientific Rigor - Zhenyan employs a biopharmaceutical research mindset in its product development, adhering to strict pharmaceutical-grade standards throughout the entire process, from ingredient selection to efficacy validation [2][12] - The brand has developed a unique three-force model for skin barrier repair, integrating various high-quality protein components to provide comprehensive skin barrier restoration [28] - Zhenyan's core ingredient, recombined mussel adhesive protein, has shown significant clinical efficacy in repairing damaged skin barriers and alleviating sensitivity and redness, supported by numerous academic publications [30][34] Group 3: Collaboration and Academic Engagement - Zhenyan actively collaborates with hospitals and academic institutions to enhance its product offerings and ensure they meet clinical needs, thereby creating a complete loop of medical research and innovation [10][12] - The brand has participated in various national and regional dermatology conferences to share academic findings and promote industry development [10] - Zhenyan has launched several scientific publications and guidelines in collaboration with dermatologists, further solidifying its authority in post-aesthetic care [24] Group 4: Consumer Engagement and Education - Zhenyan has initiated various consumer engagement activities, including skin health consultations and educational campaigns, to promote its skincare philosophy and enhance consumer understanding of skincare [27] - The brand has developed its own scientific communication IPs to disseminate skincare knowledge through various media formats, making professional skincare concepts more accessible to consumers [27]

Core Insights - The 2024 China Cosmetics Yearbook highlights a transformative phase in the cosmetics industry, shifting from rapid growth to high-quality development amid stricter regulations and rising consumer awareness [1][2][3] Regulatory Environment - In 2024, over 30 new regulatory policies were introduced by the National Medical Products Administration, focusing on raw material safety and efficacy claims [2][3] - New detection methods for banned ingredients were established, and illegal additives in products were strictly penalized [2] - A total of 432 batches of products were reported as non-compliant, with skincare (57%) and hair dye (19%) categories showing significant issues [2] Market Dynamics - The overall market size decreased slightly to 774.6 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of 2.83%, with online sales channels accounting for 52.35% of the market [3][4] - Domestic brands captured 63.2% of the market share, surpassing foreign brands for two consecutive years, with companies like Proya and Han Shu leading in growth [4] - Skincare (64.5%) and makeup (15.7%) categories saw declines, while hair care (+4.1%), body care (+3.9%), and perfumes (+2.6%) experienced growth [5] Consumer Behavior - There is a notable shift towards rational consumption, with 52% of consumers making purchasing mistakes due to a lack of knowledge about sunscreen [6] - 67% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for products containing patented ingredients, indicating a willingness to invest in scientifically backed products [7] Technological Innovation - The use of biotechnological ingredients is on the rise, with an increasing number of new raw materials being registered [8] - AI is being utilized across the supply chain, from predicting ingredient efficacy to enhancing marketing strategies through tools like AI makeup try-ons [9] Scientific Communication - Scientific communication is becoming essential for rebuilding trust between brands and consumers, with policies encouraging companies to engage in educational outreach [10] - Brands are adopting transparent practices, such as Proya's interactive pop-up stores and collaborations with medical professionals to establish clinical guidelines [10] Future Outlook - By 2025, the industry is expected to see continued regulatory deepening, enhanced technological competitiveness, and expansion into international markets, particularly in ASEAN [11][12] - The transition from "traffic-driven" to "science-driven" strategies will be crucial for brands aiming to succeed in the evolving landscape [11]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese beauty industry is experiencing a dual landscape by 2025, where domestic brands are competing with international ones through advanced technology, while simultaneously facing consumer anxiety due to rapid demand changes and high innovation costs [2]. Group 1: Sunscreen Market Trends - The sunscreen market is shifting from basic protection to advanced features like "full-spectrum protection" and "high SPF with skin feel," driven by consumer demand for more effective products [3]. - Shiseido's Anessa brand showcased its upgraded "Little Gold Bottle," emphasizing its position as a "sunscreen expert" with a focus on product innovation and marketing [4][5]. - MISTINE, a leading brand in sunscreen sales, introduced its sixth-generation products, highlighting a scientific approach to skin care with unique features like the "御光滤" component [6][8]. Group 2: Hair Care Innovations - The scalp care segment is emerging as a new growth area in the beauty industry, with the Chinese hair care market expected to exceed 80 billion yuan by 2029 [12]. - Spes introduced a breakthrough in peptide technology for scalp care, while Proya showcased its research in scalp micro-ecology [14][15]. - The focus on personalized solutions in hair care is evident, with brands like Spes and Proya addressing specific scalp issues through innovative formulations [19]. Group 3: Anti-Aging Developments - The anti-aging sector is witnessing a trend towards the use of PDRN as a key ingredient, with multiple brands exploring its potential [20][21]. - Innovations in raw materials are expanding from recombinant collagen to functional proteins, as seen with the brand Zhenyan [22]. - The introduction of "cell-level" anti-wrinkle products is becoming a competitive focus, with brands like Huaxi Biotech leading the charge [24][27]. Group 4: Consumer Demand and Market Dynamics - Consumer expectations are rising, demanding products that offer "higher, faster, stronger" benefits while also seeking simplified routines [49]. - Brands are struggling with the challenge of rapid product development to meet these evolving consumer needs, leading to a competitive environment characterized by anxiety and urgency [49]. - The reliance on popular ingredients and marketing strategies is prevalent, but brands like MISTINE and Zhenyan are proving that true differentiation comes from foundational research and innovation [53]. Group 5: Scientific Communication and Brand Strategy - Leading brands are enhancing their scientific communication strategies to effectively convey product benefits and innovations to consumers [54][55]. - The integration of scientific evidence into marketing narratives is becoming crucial for brand positioning in a crowded market [57]. - The beauty industry is at a crossroads, where technological advancements and effective communication will determine the success of brands in navigating consumer demands and market challenges [58].

Core Viewpoint - Domestic beauty brands are entering a new stage of scientific research competition, with Shiseido's revenue reaching 6.793 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 62.1%, and a net profit of 800 million yuan, up 74% [2][3] Group 1: Research and Development Initiatives - Shiseido has initiated a series of R&D advancements focusing on scientific transformation, communication, and system upgrades, paving a new path for domestic brands' R&D layout [3][5] - The establishment of the "Kanshu Transformation Medical Fund" in 2024 aims to provide financial support for promising research projects in hospitals and universities, accelerating the conversion of scientific achievements into clinical applications [5][7] - The fund plans to allocate millions in funding for the 2024-2025 period, collaborating with several hospitals to conduct clinical research on skin anti-aging and sensitive skin care [7][9] Group 2: Market Trends and Competitive Landscape - The peptide cosmetic raw material market in China reached 1.45 billion yuan in 2021 and is projected to grow to 2.32 billion yuan by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.5%, significantly outpacing the overall beauty industry growth [13] - The competition surrounding peptide ingredients has evolved into a comprehensive contest of "research" and "communication," necessitating brands to establish their unique peptide communication systems [14][18] Group 3: Brand Development and Consumer Engagement - Shiseido's recent marketing efforts, including a collaboration with influencer Li Jiaqi, highlight the brand's advancements in peptide research and its commitment to educating consumers about ingredient technology [15][16] - The brand's narrative emphasizes its journey from reliance on imported ingredients to achieving technological breakthroughs in peptide research, enhancing consumer recognition and confidence in domestic products [16][31] Group 4: Future Strategies and Innovations - Shiseido aims to build a scientific brand strategy driven by four core areas: technological insight, scientific technology, scientific products, and scientific communication [25][28] - The company is committed to creating a dual-driven innovation R&D system that integrates market needs and technological advancements, ensuring efficient operation and collaboration across disciplines [27][29]