Core Insights - Shanghai has established itself as a leading city in the beauty and cosmetics industry, with 17 brands listed in the "2025 CBE·Hurun China Color Makeup Brand TOP 50" report, significantly outpacing other cities [1] - The retail sales of cosmetics in Shanghai reached 68.5 billion yuan in the first half of the year, accounting for approximately one-third of the national total of 229.1 billion yuan [1] - Over the past decade, Shanghai's cosmetics retail sales have grown from 10% of the national total to a dominant position, reflecting a strategic shift towards domestic product development [1] Industry Challenges - Chinese beauty companies have historically relied on imported raw materials, leading to vulnerabilities in supply chains and pricing [2] - The dependency on foreign technology for core functional ingredients has hindered the competitiveness of domestic brands [2] Strategic Shifts - Local companies in Shanghai are focusing on independent research and development to address industry challenges, with brands like Chando investing in microbial fermentation raw materials since 2013 [3] - Chando has established 20 laboratories and filed 524 patents, showcasing a commitment to innovation and research [3] - New startups like JUDUO and Youshiyan are emerging, leveraging scientific research to carve out niches in the market [3] Academic and Industrial Collaboration - Shanghai's unique resources foster a collaborative environment for research and development, with institutions like Shanghai University of Applied Technology contributing talent to local companies [4][5] - Partnerships with leading hospitals and universities enhance product development, as seen with Chando's collaboration with Huashan Hospital [5] Policy Support - Shanghai has implemented strategic initiatives to accelerate the development of the beauty industry, including the establishment of the "Oriental Beauty Valley" concept [7] - The "Oriental Beauty Valley Cosmetics Element Service Platform" aims to streamline raw material procurement, potentially reducing costs for companies [7] - The platform has already facilitated over 200 tons of raw material transactions, generating sales exceeding 20 million yuan [7] Industry Growth - The Oriental Beauty Valley has become a significant hub for the cosmetics industry, with an estimated scale nearing 100 billion yuan [8] - Shanghai is the largest port for cosmetics imports and exports in China, with a total export value of 25.32 billion yuan in the first five months of the year, representing 35.6% of the national total [8] - Future plans aim for the beauty and health industry in Fengxian New Town to achieve an industrial output value of around 100 billion yuan by 2030 [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the emergence of domestic skincare brand YouShiyan as a leader in the anti-aging market, particularly focusing on eye care, by leveraging scientific research and addressing the unique aging characteristics of Chinese consumers [1][24]. Group 1: Industry Insights - The CSD 2025 conference in Changsha gathered top experts in dermatology to discuss the latest research and clinical practices, influencing national clinical guidelines [1]. - Chinese consumers exhibit distinct aging concerns, particularly around the eyes, with 78% experiencing mixed dark circles and significant structural differences compared to Western populations [3][4]. - The eye area is identified as the primary zone for aging in Chinese individuals due to its structural vulnerability [4]. Group 2: Brand Strategy - YouShiyan has established "eye area anti-aging" as its core research focus, responding to the specific needs of Chinese consumers rather than following Western trends [6]. - The brand has developed the "Non-Invasive Eye Area Anti-Aging Standards," integrating functional skincare with medical beauty technologies, marking a significant step in the industry [7][32]. - YouShiyan's product line, including the "Smile Eye Cream," has achieved over 5 million sales, demonstrating market demand for specialized eye care solutions [17]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The Chinese eye care market reached a retail value of $2.76 billion in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate of 11% from 2018 to 2023, outpacing the overall facial skincare growth of 8% [15]. - There is a mismatch between the leadership of international brands in the eye anti-aging sector and the specific needs of Chinese consumers, creating an opportunity for YouShiyan [15]. Group 4: Research and Development - YouShiyan has published 12 papers in international journals, focusing on skin mechanism research and ingredient studies, and has applied for over 20 patents [20]. - The brand's founder, Du Le, emphasizes a problem-oriented approach to product development, ensuring that innovations are based on real consumer needs [22]. Group 5: Marketing and Consumer Engagement - YouShiyan employs a "dual-spiral" communication strategy, engaging both professional channels and consumers through innovative experiences, such as the "Velas Chamber" flagship store [29][30]. - The brand's marketing efforts successfully translate scientific rigor into perceivable brand value for consumers [30]. Group 6: Future Directions - YouShiyan's advocacy for a collaborative model of "functional skincare + medical beauty" is set to redefine industry standards and enhance the value of functional skincare products [32]. - The establishment of a comprehensive anti-aging ecosystem, driven by collaborative value, positions YouShiyan as a key player in the evolving landscape of Chinese anti-aging solutions [32].