Core Viewpoint - The recent debate in the medical beauty industry regarding "recombinant collagen" has led to significant stock price fluctuations for leading companies, particularly Huaxi Biological and Juzhi Biological, with Huaxi denying any "business war" motives behind its actions [1][5]. Group 1: Market Reactions and Company Performance - From May 24 to June 18, Huaxi Biological's stock price increased by 23.65%, while Juzhi Biological's stock price fell by over 31% during the same period [1]. - As of June 18, Juzhi Biological's market capitalization was approximately 514 billion RMB, while Huaxi Biological's market capitalization was 245 billion RMB, less than half of Juzhi's [1]. Group 2: Opposition to "Name Games" - Huaxi Biological firmly opposes the "name game" in ingredient labeling, arguing that the capital market's concept switching has led to misunderstandings about hyaluronic acid and recombinant collagen, affecting the business environment and causing resource misallocation [2][3]. - The company emphasizes that recombinant collagen is only a small part of collagen research and that the leading edge of protein research remains with life science institutions and pharmaceutical companies [3]. Group 3: Industry Standards and Scientific Communication - Huaxi Biological highlights that no medical beauty Class III device certificates based on recombinant collagen have been approved internationally, indicating that this field requires more time for practical observation [3]. - The company plans to enhance professional communication with the capital market, noting that many analysts lack a biological background and often misinterpret the relationship between hyaluronic acid and collagen [4]. Group 4: Denial of Business War Claims - Huaxi Biological denies rumors that its recent actions are motivated by a "business war" due to pressure on its hyaluronic acid business and competition losses in recombinant collagen [5][6]. - The company asserts that its business has not been under pressure as claimed, with hyaluronic acid business growing over 10% annually and medical-grade hyaluronic acid growing over 20% [6]. Group 5: Consumer Trust and Market Integrity - Huaxi Biological argues that consumer trust in domestic brands should not be built on the misuse of academic concepts and misleading marketing practices, which could distort the business ecosystem and lead to resource misallocation [7]. - The company calls for industry-wide participation in product testing and standard discussions to enhance understanding and eliminate industry bubbles and misconceptions [7]. Group 6: Timeline of Events - The controversy began in mid-May when Huaxi Biological questioned several brokerage reports that promoted recombinant collagen and criticized hyaluronic acid [8]. - On May 24, beauty blogger "Big Mouth Doctor" Hao Yu publicly questioned the collagen content in Juzhi Biological's products, leading to further disputes [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - Coty is exploring the possibility of splitting and selling its high-end and mass beauty divisions, which could lead to a merger and acquisition scale of hundreds of billions to trillions of yuan, potentially reshaping the global beauty industry [1][4]. Company Overview - Founded in 1904 in Paris, Coty has developed a strong brand portfolio, including luxury brands like GUCCI and Burberry, and has grown to be one of the top ten beauty companies globally [2][4]. - Coty operates over 50 fragrance and beauty brands, divided into high-end and mass segments, with high-end beauty generating 277 billion yuan and mass beauty generating 162 billion yuan in revenue for the fiscal year 2024 [1][4]. Financial Performance - Coty's revenue for fiscal year 2024 was 439 billion yuan, reflecting a 10% increase from the previous year, but the company has faced significant fluctuations in performance [9]. - The company reported a net revenue decline of 2% to 333.3 billion yuan for the first three quarters of fiscal year 2025, with a net loss of 22.2 billion yuan [9][10]. Market Dynamics - The global beauty industry is undergoing significant challenges, including market growth slowdown and increased competition from emerging DTC brands, particularly affecting mass beauty brands [4][12]. - Coty is facing difficulties in finding suitable buyers for its mass beauty division, especially in Asia, due to economic slowdowns and trade tensions with the U.S. [5][4]. Strategic Moves - Coty is in discussions with Interparfums regarding the sale of its high-end beauty business, particularly brands like Burberry and Hugo Boss, which have shown strong growth [4][10]. - The company has initiated a transformation plan aimed at streamlining operations and focusing on key business innovations, with an expected savings of nearly 36 billion yuan between fiscal years 2025 and 2027 [12]. Industry Trends - The beauty industry is witnessing a shift towards high-end and luxury products, with major players like Shiseido and Unilever restructuring to enhance operational efficiency [12][14]. - Coty’s historical capital-driven development and frequent ownership changes have influenced its current strategy to seek a sale [11][12].

Core Insights - The endorsement market is shifting towards older celebrities, indicating a response to age-related consumer concerns and changing brand strategies [3][5][12] - Brands are increasingly adopting a "listening" approach to engage consumers, moving beyond traditional endorsement metrics to foster emotional connections [7][10] - The rise of the "new silver economy" highlights the growing purchasing power of older consumers, prompting brands to target this demographic more aggressively [12][15] Group 1: Endorsement Trends - There is a notable increase in endorsements from older celebrities, such as Wu Yanzu and 86-year-old Wu Yanzhi, who are now sought after by major brands like Prada and L'Oreal [5][13] - The endorsement strategies are diversifying, with brands now considering emotional resonance and consumer engagement over mere follower counts [7][9] - The trend of using homophonic puns in endorsements is prevalent among younger celebrities, but older celebrities are generating more impactful results [9][10] Group 2: Consumer Demographics - The purchasing power of older consumers is becoming more significant, with brands like SK-II and Dior targeting this demographic as they have the financial means to buy luxury products [10][12] - The "new silver economy" is gaining attention, with a significant increase in the population over 60 years old, leading to a shift in marketing strategies [12][15] - Brands are adapting to the changing consumer landscape, as younger generations are increasingly budget-conscious, while older consumers are willing to spend on premium products [12][16] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The endorsement market is experiencing competition from short drama and sports circles, which are capturing significant market share and altering traditional endorsement dynamics [16][20] - The popularity of sports stars is on the rise, with athletes like Fan Zhendong gaining more endorsements, indicating a long-term strategy from brands [20][22] - The overall trend suggests a move away from the reliance on traditional celebrity endorsements towards more creative and diverse marketing strategies [22]

Core Insights - The rise of the "New Consumption F4" (Pop Mart, Nayuki, Perfect Diary, Helen's) is driven by a combination of generational shifts, capital narratives, and consumption transformations, rather than just performance metrics [1] Group 1: Generational Consumption Revolution - The essence of the "F4" rise is the takeover of consumption power by Generation Z, focusing on emotional needs rather than just product functionality [2] - Pop Mart has turned blind boxes into "spiritual lottery," appealing to the loneliness economy with annual sales of millions [2] - Nayuki's tea shops have become new social hubs for urban youth, replacing Starbucks in some areas [2] - Over 60% of revenue from these brands comes from users under 30, with private domain repurchase rates exceeding the industry average by 20% [2] Group 2: Traffic Creation Movement - The "F4" brands have shifted from traditional advertising to a self-circulating system of content, traffic, and conversion [3] - Perfect Diary utilized social media strategies to achieve over 100 million GMV in just two years [3] - Nayuki's viral marketing through popular IPs has led to significant foot traffic in stores [3] - The traffic creation efficiency of "F4" is 3-5 times that of traditional brands, with customer lifetime value (LTV) 40% higher than the industry average [3] Group 3: Capital Narrative Reconstruction - The capital market's valuation logic has shifted from profit worship to GMV mythology, with a focus on sales revenue rather than profits [4] - Nayuki was valued at 20 billion despite a 200 million loss at IPO, highlighting the market's focus on expansion potential [4] - Perfect Diary's parent company is valued at 10 billion based on its 130 million member data, indicating future monetization potential [4] - The average oversubscription for "F4" IPOs is over four times, with institutional investors making up 70% of the funding [4] Group 4: Underlying Challenges and Reflections - The "F4" faces significant challenges, including rising marketing costs and supply chain vulnerabilities [5] - Perfect Diary's marketing expenses have exceeded 60% for five consecutive years, leading to a revenue without profit dilemma [5] - Nayuki's profit margins have been pressured by fluctuating raw material costs [5] - The aging of Pop Mart's IPs has resulted in increased inventory turnover days, indicating consumer fatigue [5] Group 5: Transition from "Internet Celebrity" to Sustainable Growth - The success of the "F4" reflects a phase in China's consumption upgrade, emphasizing the importance of understanding the emotional needs of younger consumers [6] - The challenge remains for these brands to evolve from "hit-making machines" to "value-driven brands" [6] - Building a robust product capability, supply chain, and user engagement is essential to avoid becoming a casualty of capital market fluctuations [6]

Core Viewpoint - ECM (Extra Cellular Matrix) has been identified as a significant marker of aging, leading to increased focus and competition among beauty brands in anti-aging research and product development [1][3][10]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The recognition of ECM as an aging marker has prompted major beauty companies to rapidly advance their research and product offerings related to ECM [6][9]. - Companies like Huaxi and Marubi are expanding their research to include all major ECM proteins, indicating a shift towards a more comprehensive understanding of skin aging [6][9]. - The launch of innovative products, such as Huaxi's "润百颜·玻玻" and Shiseido's MicroClick Concentrate, highlights the industry's commitment to integrating ECM research into practical applications [6][9][10]. Group 2: Key Research Findings - ECM plays a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, cellular aging, and stem cell depletion, making it a pivotal focus in anti-aging research [3][10]. - The dynamic network of ECM, composed of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin, is essential for skin elasticity and vitality, with its degradation being a primary mechanism of skin aging [10][14][19]. - Research indicates that a healthy ECM can rejuvenate aging skin, restoring its appearance and function [17][19]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Major beauty brands are leveraging their existing research on key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and collagen to enhance their ECM-focused anti-aging strategies [24][26]. - The integration of ECM research is seen as a way to unify various scientific advancements within the beauty industry, creating a more holistic approach to skin aging [24][25]. - The collaboration between medical aesthetics and beauty sectors is expected to accelerate the development of innovative anti-aging solutions based on ECM [26][27]. Group 4: Future Opportunities - The potential applications of ECM research extend beyond facial care, with implications for hair follicle regeneration and other areas of dermatology [22][27]. - The beauty industry is positioned to explore new avenues in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, utilizing ECM's properties to enhance skincare products [27][28]. - ECM is viewed as a "new gold mine" for the beauty industry, offering significant opportunities for innovation and market growth [27][28].

Market Overview - The A-share market has shown signs of rebound, with the overall market sentiment improving as indicated by the performance of various indices. The Shanghai Composite Index rose by 0.35% to close at 3388.73 points, while the Shenzhen Component Index increased by 0.41% to 10163.55 points. The ChiNext Index saw a gain of 0.66%, closing at 2057.32 points, and the North Star 50 Index rose by 1.84% to 1408.15 points [5][6]. Economic Data - In May, China's industrial added value above designated size grew by 5.8% year-on-year, slightly above the expected 5.7%. The retail sales of consumer goods reached 41,326 billion yuan, marking a 6.4% increase year-on-year, surpassing the expected 4.9% [13][14]. - Fixed asset investment (excluding rural households) increased by 3.7% year-on-year from January to May, with private fixed asset investment remaining flat [14]. Industry Dynamics - The electricity production in May maintained growth, with a total industrial power generation of 737.8 billion kWh, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 0.5%. However, the growth rate has slowed compared to April [22][23]. - The beauty and personal care sector on major platforms like Taobao, Douyin, and Kuaishou saw a GMV of 186.42 billion yuan from January to May, representing a year-on-year growth of 2.56% [26][27]. - The National Market Supervision Administration has proposed a draft for the "Live E-commerce Supervision Management Measures," aiming to establish a blacklist system to regulate the industry [28]. Company Updates - Xin'an Co., Ltd. has signed a strategic cooperation memorandum with Petronas to explore joint production and marketing opportunities for organic silicon downstream specialty products in Southeast Asia and globally [29][30]. - Three squirrels announced the termination of its acquisition of Hunan Ailing Food Technology Co., Ltd. due to a lack of consensus on core terms, stating that this will not adversely affect its operations or future strategies [32][33]. - Chongde Technology has initiated its first share buyback, repurchasing 106,200 shares at a total cost of approximately 4.99 million yuan [34][35].

Core Insights - The beauty industry is transitioning from a phase of "easy growth" to a "complex new stage" globally, with significant challenges ahead [2][5] - The McKinsey report predicts a global beauty market size of $441 billion in 2024, with a growth rate of 7% from 2022 to 2024, but a decline to 5% from 2024 to 2030 [3][4] - The Chinese beauty market is projected to account for 15% of the global market in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% from 2019 to 2024, but a significant drop to -3% from 2021 to 2024 [7][10] Regional Analysis - The Chinese beauty market has lost $6.33 billion (approximately 454 billion yuan) over four years, indicating a downturn post-pandemic [7] - The beauty giants are now looking for growth opportunities in emerging markets, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and India, which are showing higher growth rates [11][12] - In 2024, major companies like L'Oréal and Unilever are increasing investments in emerging regions, with Unilever investing in seven Indian brands [13][14] Category Opportunities - Skincare remains the largest category in the beauty market, accounting for 41%, followed by haircare (21%), color cosmetics (19%), and fragrance (19%) [17] - Fragrance has shown the highest growth rate of 8% from 2019 to 2024, and is expected to continue leading with a growth rate of 4-6% from 2024 to 2030 [18][20] - The demand for health, sun protection, and personal care products is rising, indicating a shift in consumer preferences towards efficacy and certainty [22][24] Growth Drivers - Future growth in the beauty industry will primarily come from volume rather than price increases, as consumers are increasingly focused on the real value of products [26][30] - Price increases have been met with consumer resistance, as seen with Estée Lauder and L'Oréal, indicating a need for brands to focus on product quality and differentiation [28][31] - The beauty market is being segmented into five price tiers, and brands must compete on product strength or pricing rather than simply lowering prices [30][32] Consumer Trends - There is a noticeable shift in consumer spending towards emotional and experiential purchases, as evidenced by high-value art sales and changing preferences in the beauty sector [33][34] - The focus on value, differentiation, and individuality will be key opportunities in the current market landscape [34]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the emerging significance of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) in the anti-aging beauty industry, marking it as a new frontier for research and product development in skincare [2][4][5]. Group 1: ECM's Role in Aging - ECM has been identified as the thirteenth hallmark of aging, influencing mitochondrial homeostasis, cellular senescence, and stem cell exhaustion [2][4]. - Changes in ECM can be both a cause and a result of aging, suggesting its dual role in regulating the aging process [4][5]. - The recognition of ECM as a marker of aging has sparked a competitive race among beauty brands to explore its potential in anti-aging products [7][14]. Group 2: Industry Response and Innovations - Major beauty companies are rapidly advancing their research on ECM, with notable developments such as Huaxi's approval of a hyaluronic acid product aimed at improving skin quality [9]. - Marubi Biotech has expanded its research to include all major ECM proteins, indicating a broader focus on ECM-related skincare solutions [11]. - Various companies, including L'Oréal and Shiseido, are developing products that target ECM degradation and enhance skin elasticity through innovative ingredients [12][14]. Group 3: Mechanisms and Applications - ECM serves as a mechanical scaffold for skin cells, providing essential support and nutrition, which is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and vitality [21][24]. - It acts as a signaling hub, dynamically regulating cellular behaviors such as proliferation and differentiation, which are vital for skin health [23][24]. - The degradation of ECM components, such as collagen and hyaluronic acid, is a primary mechanism of facial skin aging, leading to wrinkles and loss of elasticity [24][25]. Group 4: Future Directions and Market Potential - The integration of ECM research into anti-aging strategies represents a shift towards a more holistic understanding of skin aging, moving beyond single-ingredient solutions [33][34]. - The collaboration between hyaluronic acid and collagen in ECM functions is expected to unlock new anti-aging potentials, enhancing the efficacy of skincare products [33][34]. - The article suggests that ECM research holds vast potential for innovation in the beauty industry, with opportunities for new product development and market expansion [32][37].

New Consumption Overview - Budweiser Group launched a sugar-free energy drink brand Phorm Energy in the US, featuring four flavors at a price of $2.99 per 16-ounce can [3] - Genki Forest introduced its first co-branded product in overseas markets, a collaboration with Disney's classic IP "Lilo & Stitch," offering three flavors of sparkling water in Indonesia [3] - Starbucks Japan released its first spicy Frappuccino, combining mango pulp, jasmine tea, and soy milk, topped with a special spicy honey sauce [3] - Dayao launched a new probiotic juice soda, containing dual probiotics and dietary fiber equivalent to about 33 prunes per can [6] - Yili introduced a rooftop-packaged yogurt drink designed to pair with meals, made from 100% fresh milk with only 1.4g of fat per 100ml [8] Investment and Financing - Dolce & Gabbana secured €150 million in debt financing to support its beauty and real estate divisions, with agreements in place for refinancing existing loans [8] - Carlsberg and PepsiCo plan to invest over $250 million (approximately 1.8 billion RMB) to build a new soft drink production facility in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with an annual capacity of 340,000 hectoliters [8] - Ananier, a children's clothing brand, announced plans to transfer control by selling a 13.03% stake to an investment management firm [8] - Novo Nordisk completed the acquisition of DSM-Firmenich's stake in the feed enzyme alliance, aligning with its sustainable development strategy [9] - Fuzhou Tastin Catering Company increased its registered capital from approximately 1.03 million RMB to about 118 million RMB, marking a 11,323% increase [11] Major Company Developments - Fenty Beauty by Rihanna opened its first concept store in mainland China at Shenzhen MixC, featuring interactive installations and experience zones [11] - Weidongli announced the launch of functional dairy products targeting specific needs, with new products focusing on eye care and sleep assistance [11] - Gentle Monster created new limited-time collaboration spaces in cities like Shanghai and Los Angeles, featuring large installations that contrast with smaller toys [12] - Longchamp appointed world champion table tennis player Wang Manyu as its brand ambassador, aiming to embody the brand spirit of "dynamic life" [12] - Lao Xiang Ji partnered with Molecular Coffee to open a chicken soup café in Nanjing, combining coffee with molecular cuisine elements [12]

Core Insights - The China Fashion Industry Summit Investment Conference successfully took place in Shanghai, featuring 9 keynote speeches, 36 industry leaders, and nearly 200 professional investors, with total fund scale exceeding 100 billion [1] - The definition of "Chinese fashion" is forming a consensus, rooted in traditional culture and national sentiment, embodying China's spiritual philosophy and cultural essence [1] - The Chinese fashion industry is in a golden development period, with the integration of traditional aesthetics and digital technology injecting new momentum into the sector [13] Group 1: Keynote Presentations - Bain & Company released the "China Fashion Consumption Development Report," highlighting eight key trends in Chinese fashion consumption [1] - 毛戈平, founder of 毛戈平美妆, shared insights on the brand's journey and emphasized the importance of promoting domestic brands to the global stage [4] - 张晓冬, CEO of a fashion group, discussed the rise of domestic IPs and innovative practices in creating trendy art IPs [8] Group 2: Roundtable Discussions - A roundtable on "Supply Innovation: How to Create Differentiated Tourism Experiences" featured discussions on enhancing tourism through scene experiences and storytelling [2] - A forum on "How to Empower Chinese Designer Brands" included insights from various designers on integrating Chinese cultural elements into their designs [6] - A discussion on "Opportunities in the Pet Industry" explored trends in pet food and the impact of smart pet care [10] Group 3: Industry Trends and Opportunities - The conference highlighted the importance of capital focusing on Chinese design and brand IP incubation, indicating a shift towards cultural confidence and industrial innovation [13] - The event showcased 14 innovative projects and over 20 investment intention matches, indicating strong interest in the fashion and cultural tourism sectors [1] - The rise of the M-shaped society consumer upgrade trend was discussed, emphasizing the growth potential in the mother and baby sector [10]