Core Insights - The "next-use" essence is becoming a must-have option for beauty brands, with the market size in China expected to reach 7.5 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of over 20% [1] - Major brands like OLAY, Proya, and Miss Tina are entering the next-use product space, indicating a trend where "9 out of 10 brands" are adopting this format [1] Market Trends - The next-use essence has emerged as a phenomenon in the beauty sector, highlighted by over 20 next-use essence products launched during the 618 shopping festival [2] - The cumulative filing of "next-use" products reached 6,518 by June 17, 2025, with 5,653 specifically for next-use essences [2] - In the first five months of 2025, 21 out of 24 newly launched next-use products were essences, accounting for over 87% [2] Product Development - The next-use essence market is diversifying, with brands like OLAY and Proya focusing on specific skin issues such as anti-aging and acne treatment [4] - Key ingredients in next-use essences include recombinant collagen, with some products featuring multiple types for targeted anti-aging effects [4] - The introduction of next-use formats is expanding beyond essences to include sunscreen, makeup removers, and even men's skincare products [5] Consumer Demand - Consumer education around next-use essences is maturing, and brands are encouraged to create unique advantages to stand out in a competitive market [5] - The convenience and hygiene of next-use products are appealing to consumers, especially for those with sensitive skin or post-medical treatment needs [5][6] - Social media engagement around next-use products is significant, with topics related to them generating over 1.7 billion views on platforms like Xiaohongshu [9] Industry Challenges - Some industry experts express concerns about the environmental impact of next-use packaging, which often relies on plastic materials [10] - There is a debate about the necessity of next-use formats for all products, with some suggesting that not all formulations require such packaging [10][11] - The industry is exploring more sustainable packaging options to address environmental concerns while maintaining the convenience of next-use products [10]