Group 1 - The core point of the article is that Jala Group, known for its brand Naturals, is facing significant challenges despite its upcoming IPO, including weak performance, low profit margins, and heavy reliance on marketing over research and development [1][11][12] - Jala Group's revenue growth has been sluggish, with projected revenues of 42.92 billion, 44.42 billion, and 46.01 billion from 2022 to 2024, reflecting an average annual growth rate of only about 3.5%, significantly lower than the overall growth rate of the domestic beauty industry [4][5][7] - The company's net profit margins are low, with figures of 3.24%, 6.80%, and 4.13% from 2022 to 2024, and only reaching 7.81% in the first half of 2025, indicating operational inefficiencies and cost structure issues [7][8][9] Group 2 - Jala Group has heavily invested in marketing, with sales and marketing expenses reaching 24.45 billion, 24.06 billion, and 27.16 billion from 2022 to 2024, accounting for over 54% of annual revenue, yet this has not translated into significant revenue growth [8][9][10] - The company's research and development spending has decreased, with R&D expenses dropping from 1.2 billion in 2022 to only 0.4 billion in the first half of 2025, resulting in a declining R&D expense ratio from 2.8% to 1.7%, which is well below the 3%-5% standard of international beauty giants [9][10][11] - Jala Group's over-reliance on its core brand Naturals is evident, with revenue contributions from this brand accounting for 94.6%, 95.9%, and 95.4% from 2022 to 2024, indicating a lack of effective growth from its other brands [10][11][12] Group 3 - The company is struggling to transition to a high-end market, with attempts to launch premium products failing to resonate with consumers, as evidenced by poor sales of its high-priced Gold Diamond Micro-sculpting series [11][12][13] - Jala Group's governance structure raises concerns, as the founding family's control over 87% of voting rights may hinder strategic flexibility and professional decision-making, especially in an industry that increasingly values scientific research and data-driven approaches [12][13][14] - The upcoming IPO represents a significant milestone for Jala Group, but achieving a true high-end brand status requires overcoming challenges related to brand dependency, marketing-heavy strategies, and governance issues [13][14]

Core Insights - The essence water category is becoming a strategic focus for brands, with international giants like Lancôme and Estée Lauder launching new products to redefine skincare [1][2][3] - The market for essence water is rapidly growing, with online sales nearing 10 billion yuan in the first half of this year, marking it as one of the fastest-growing segments in facial care [1][7] Group 1: Brand Strategies - Major brands are investing in the development of essence water, which is positioned between toners and serums, offering multiple benefits such as anti-aging and skin repair [2][3] - International brands like Estée Lauder and Lancôme are targeting younger consumers by offering entry-level high-end products at competitive prices, such as Lancôme's "Little Black Bottle Essence Water" priced at 595 yuan for 150ml [3][6] - Essence water serves as a "universal key" that can enhance the entire skincare routine, facilitating cross-selling opportunities across product lines [6][7] Group 2: Market Trends - The essence water market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.2% from 2026 to 2033, indicating strong future demand [7][8] - Young consumers, particularly those aged 18-24, are increasingly drawn to essence water, with this demographic accounting for over 30% of the category's popularity on platforms like Xiaohongshu [7][9] - The core consumer demands for essence water include multi-functionality, proven efficacy, and sustainability, reflecting a shift in consumer expectations [8][10] Group 3: Domestic Brand Strategies - Domestic brands are responding to international competition by focusing on technology, efficacy, cost-performance ratio, and specific usage scenarios [11][12] - Brands like HBN are establishing their technological foundations and focusing on precise efficacy to differentiate themselves in the market [12][13] - The emphasis on cost-performance ratio allows domestic brands to attract price-sensitive consumers while maintaining product quality [15][16] Group 4: Marketing and Consumer Engagement - Chinese brands are integrating their products into popular skincare routines and scenarios, enhancing consumer interaction and increasing sales opportunities [17][18] - The competition in the essence water market is not just about product features but also about building trust and loyalty through genuine value and scientific backing [18][19]

Core Viewpoint - The essence water market is rapidly evolving, with both international and domestic brands launching new products to capture consumer interest and meet the rising demand for multifunctional skincare solutions [2][4][19]. Market Trends - Major international brands like Lancôme and Estée Lauder are actively launching new essence water products, indicating a strategic focus on redefining skincare beginnings [2][5]. - The online essence water market has approached a scale of nearly 10 billion yuan in the first half of this year, marking it as one of the fastest-growing segments in facial care [2]. Product Characteristics - Essence water is positioned between toner and serum, offering high functionality with active ingredients and advanced penetration technology, addressing multiple skincare needs beyond basic hydration [4][7]. - The introduction of advanced technologies has significantly enhanced the performance of essence water in anti-aging, brightening, and repairing, leading to a shift in pricing towards the premium segment [7][19]. Consumer Insights - Consumers are increasingly seeking products that deliver multiple benefits, clear efficacy mechanisms, and sustainable practices, with a notable interest from younger demographics [14][15][16]. - The demand for essence water among consumers aged 18-24 is particularly high, with this group accounting for over 30% of the market [13]. Competitive Strategies - International brands are lowering entry barriers for younger consumers by offering essence water as an "entry-level premium product" at competitive prices [8][11]. - Brands are also leveraging essence water to drive sales across their entire product lines, enhancing cross-selling opportunities [11][19]. Domestic Brand Response - Chinese brands are focusing on building technological capabilities and differentiating their products through precise efficacy targeting and competitive pricing [19][23]. - Brands like HBN are investing in research to establish a technological moat, while others are developing unique formulations to cater to specific consumer needs [19][20][21]. Future Outlook - The essence water market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.2% from 2026 to 2033, indicating strong future potential [13]. - The competition in the essence water segment is expected to intensify, with brands needing to focus on genuine consumer needs and technological advancements to succeed [26].