Core Insights - The international beauty raw material companies are facing significant challenges in 2025 due to global economic instability and unfavorable currency exchange rates, which have become the primary obstacle to growth [1][3] - Despite the challenges, there is still a vibrant innovation landscape in the beauty raw materials sector, driven by scientific advancements and a shift in consumer preferences towards effective and clinically validated ingredients [1][5] Financial Performance - BASE reported a total sales of €33.2 billion with a beauty raw materials segment sales of €2.468 billion, showing a year-on-year increase [2] - BASF experienced a slight decline in overall sales by 1.48% but saw a growth of 3.6% in its beauty raw materials segment [2] - Clariant's sales in beauty raw materials were not disclosed, while Symrise reported €2.554 billion in total sales with a 9.89% increase in its beauty raw materials segment [2] Market Trends - The beauty raw materials market is increasingly influenced by consumer demand for scientifically backed ingredients, moving away from mere ingredient trends to a focus on efficacy and clinical validation [4][5] - The rise of "neurocosmetics" is notable, with companies like DSM-Firmenich and Croda developing ingredients that not only enhance skin appearance but also positively affect emotional well-being [9][10] Innovation and R&D - Companies are investing in extensive R&D to develop active ingredients that meet the evolving market demands, with a focus on scientific validation and consumer experience [12][14] - The development of a comprehensive scientific framework for new ingredients is becoming essential, as companies aim to provide clear efficacy and safety data to consumers [12][15] Localization and Market Adaptation - International raw material companies are increasingly localizing their R&D and production in China to better cater to local consumer preferences and market dynamics [14][15] - Companies are also enhancing their scientific communication and service systems to build long-term value and support clients in navigating the complex beauty ingredient landscape [15]

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]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the upcoming SynBioCon 2025 event, focusing on the potential of synthetic biology and biomanufacturing, showcasing innovative research teams, technologies, and products in the field [2][5][14]. Group 1: Event Overview - The SynBioCon 2025 will take place from August 20-22 in Ningbo, Zhejiang, featuring a special session called the "Biomanufacturing Youth Forum" with nearly 30 presentations [2][10]. - The event aims to facilitate the exchange of innovative research outcomes and promote collaboration between researchers and industry stakeholders [2][14]. Group 2: Forum Details - The Youth Forum will include presentations from various universities and research institutions, such as Anhui University of Technology and South China University of Technology [4][5]. - The forum is designed to help attendees understand key scientific issues, solutions, and future development directions in biomanufacturing within a 15-minute format [3][14]. Group 3: Special Activities - A closed-door high-level seminar will discuss the trends and growth points of biomanufacturing as part of the event's agenda [11]. - The event will also feature project roadshows and technology showcases, inviting participation from leading parks and investment institutions [14][20]. Group 4: Thematic Discussions - The conference will cover various topics, including green chemicals, new materials, AI in biomanufacturing, and future food and agriculture [15][17][19]. - Specific focus areas include the development of bio-based materials, non-grain carbon source utilization, and the application of AI in enhancing biomanufacturing processes [18][22].

Industry Overview - The global beauty and personal care industry is showing a clear trend towards premiumization, with high-end makeup, online channels, and sunscreen penetration rates continuously increasing [1] - The fragrance and flavor industry is steadily growing, with a projected market size of $32.3 billion by 2024 according to Precedence Research, indicating significant development potential in the Chinese market due to its low concentration [1] Company Performance - The company is leveraging its technological and market advantages to accelerate growth in the face of industry opportunities [1] - In 2023, the company invested CNY 113 million in R&D, a year-on-year increase of 40.79%, and launched high-margin sunscreen agents such as P-S and EHT, while also advancing high-end personal care raw materials [1] - The company maintains stable revenue growth supported by solid customer resources, with major clients like DSM, Procter & Gamble, and L'Oréal contributing over 60% of revenue [1] - The company is expanding its customer base to include small and medium-sized clients, enhancing pricing power and gross margins, while strengthening market coverage through a direct sales and distribution model [1] Capacity Expansion - Ongoing fundraising projects are expanding production capacity, with a strategic focus on large clients ensuring efficient production and sales coordination [1] - The company's active ingredient production capacity utilization rate is expected to reach 54.98% in 2024, with a stable production and sales rate exceeding 90% in 2023 [1] - The company has strong cost transfer capabilities, allowing it to effectively manage cost pressures from raw material price fluctuations, thereby maintaining robust profitability and reinforcing its competitive advantage in the industry [1] Profit Forecast and Investment Recommendation - As a leading global supplier of beauty raw materials, the company is continuously optimizing its product layout and has stable customer resources [2] - The projected net profits attributable to the parent company for 2025-2027 are CNY 400 million, CNY 490 million, and CNY 540 million respectively, with a 2025 PE valuation of 22 times, corresponding to a reasonable value of CNY 18.70 per share, and a buy rating is recommended [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the revolutionary changes occurring in the beauty industry due to the intersection of synthetic biology and artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting the rapid advancements made by Chinese company Weiming Shiguang in this field [2][4]. Group 1: Company Overview - Weiming Shiguang, established in 2021, focuses on the innovative research and production of bioactive materials, leveraging AI and synthetic biology to enhance efficiency and sustainability in beauty ingredient development [8][24]. - The company has completed five rounds of financing within four years, attracting significant investments from major players like L'Oréal and Naissance Group, indicating strong market confidence in its innovative capabilities [4][9]. Group 2: Technological Innovations - Weiming Shiguang has built a comprehensive research and development system that integrates AI across three main areas: ingredient discovery, evaluation, and sustainable production, enabling end-to-end innovation in ingredient production [11][20]. - The company boasts the world's largest database of 30 billion bioactive molecules, significantly improving the efficiency of targeted screening by over 10,000 times through AI algorithms [15][21]. Group 3: Strategic Partnerships - The strategic partnership between Weiming Shiguang and L'Oréal aims to advance the development of bioactive ingredients and sustainable beauty solutions, showcasing a deep integration of science and innovation [6][9]. - Weiming Shiguang's recognition in L'Oréal's "BIG BANG" beauty technology co-creation program highlights its innovative approach and alignment with global sustainability goals [8][9]. Group 4: Market Position and Global Expansion - The company is positioning itself as a key player in the global beauty ingredient market, having established partnerships with several leading brands and manufacturers, thus enhancing its international presence [28][29]. - Weiming Shiguang is actively building an international team and compliance framework to support its global expansion, aiming to elevate Chinese beauty ingredients to the global stage [28][29].