Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the risks associated with the "private label hyaluronic acid" model in the medical aesthetics industry, where legitimate products are used for marketing while unregulated or low-quality products are injected into consumers, leading to potential health hazards [1][3][40]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The "private label hyaluronic acid" has gained popularity due to its high profit margins, with some products showing a price difference of over 10 times from production to retail [4][18]. - The medical aesthetics market is experiencing a surge in demand for hyaluronic acid, which is widely used for cosmetic procedures, creating a lucrative environment for private label products [5][12]. - As of 2024, there are approximately 70 active medical-grade hyaluronic acid products in the market, with intense competition among manufacturers [12]. Group 2: Regulatory Environment - The production of medical-grade hyaluronic acid requires strict regulatory compliance, and currently, only 15 domestic companies have the necessary production qualifications in China [8][10]. - The phenomenon of "one certificate, multiple brands" allows manufacturers to produce various products under a single medical device registration, creating a loophole for private label products [10][11]. - Recent regulations from the National Medical Products Administration have prohibited the commission of production for high-risk products, including hyaluronic acid, indicating a tightening of oversight in the industry [35][36]. Group 3: Consumer Risks - The influx of unregulated or poorly manufactured hyaluronic acid products poses significant risks to consumers, including severe health complications such as facial necrosis or disfigurement [2][42]. - Cases have emerged where consumers received injections of unverified products, leading to complaints and potential legal issues for medical institutions [27][29][38]. - The article warns that if incidents of health risks continue, consumer trust in legitimate medical aesthetics channels may collapse, undermining the industry's credibility [43]. Group 4: Business Strategies - Medical institutions are increasingly adopting the private label model to gain pricing power and differentiate themselves in a saturated market, often branding these products as exclusive or specially developed [14][40]. - The strategy of using legitimate products for marketing while substituting them with private label versions is referred to as "cat swapping," reflecting a deceptive practice that could harm consumer safety [40][41]. - The article suggests that the current business model driven by high profits and regulatory gaps may not be sustainable in the long term, urging companies to focus on brand integrity and consumer safety [44].