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]

编辑丨王多鱼 排版丨水成文 当 合成生物学 突破生命科学的认知边界，当 人工智能 重构传统研发的底层逻辑，一场关于 " 未来制造 "的革命正在 美妆行业 悄然发生。 合成生物学先驱 Craig Venter 曾表示——我们正从读取遗传密码走向书写遗传密码，而人工智能 （ AI） 将是我们的笔。在这条技术与产业碰撞的赛道上，来自中国的创新力量正异军突起：成立仅 4 年的 未名拾 光 ，凭借 " AI + 生物技术 "的颠覆性技术矩阵，不仅让 欧莱雅集团 等巨头战略投资，更以 " 1 天内完成 原料功效实验 "、" 9 个月提升活性物含量 17 倍 "、" 10 个月完成新原料全周期开发 "、" 不到两年完成 从原料发现到产品上市 "的超凡效率，破解了美妆原料领域长期存在的" 研发慢、成本高、可持续难 "三重 困局。 从 300 亿生物活性分子的全球最大生物活性物数据库的搭建和智能筛选，到 亚洲最大的愈伤组织资源库的 建立及首个昙花愈伤组织提取物备案，这家年轻的企业如何利用 AI 重塑细胞工厂？当中国美妆原料站上国 际巨头的研发台，背后又暗含怎样的全球化布局？ 国际巨头青睐的背后 ——中国"生物智造"的突围 近日 ...