Core Viewpoint - The beauty and skincare industry experienced a subtle performance in the first half of 2025, with sales increasing by 10.1% year-on-year, indicating a shift in market dynamics towards lower-priced skincare and a rapid rise of mid-tier brands, while high-end brands maintained steady growth [3][5]. Group 1: Market Performance - The beauty and skincare market achieved a sales figure of 235.23 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, with a year-on-year increase of 10.1%, and a volume of 2.564 billion units sold, up by 5.5% [5]. - The low-price segment of the beauty market saw a market share increase of 0.5%, while the skincare market's segment of products priced at 100 yuan and below grew by 3.9% [7]. - The top 10 brands' sales increased by 3.3%, but their market share decreased by 1.0%, while mid-tier brands expanded their market share by 2.1% and saw a sales increase of 7.5% [7]. Group 2: Trends in Anti-Aging Products - The total sales of anti-aging products reached 65.49 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 30.3%, with significant attention on these products across social media platforms [12]. - The demand for anti-aging products has transcended age barriers, with younger consumers (25+) increasingly aware of anti-aging needs, and male consumers showing an 83.7% year-on-year increase in interest [15]. - The anti-aging market is expanding into new consumer demographics, including lower-tier cities, indicating a broadening appeal [15]. Group 3: Shifts in Makeup Trends - The concept of "naked makeup" has evolved into "authentic aesthetics," shifting consumer logic from concealing flaws to expressing individuality [4][27]. - The sales of products that combine makeup and skincare saw a year-on-year growth of 94.3%, indicating a rising consumer demand for products that serve dual purposes [37]. - The beauty market is characterized by a strong consumer preference for natural looks and personalized expressions, with keywords like "high-end" and "natural" dominating discussions [25]. Group 4: Brand Performance - L'Oréal remains the market leader with a sales figure of 5.34 billion yuan, showing a slight increase of 0.3%, while the brand La Mer experienced the highest growth among the top 10, achieving a 27.3% year-on-year increase [8]. - The brand Kiehl's saw a remarkable growth of 204.5% in the first half of 2025, driven by innovative marketing strategies and product offerings [10]. - Lancôme and La Mer maintained steady growth, while Helena Rubinstein's flagship products saw a decline in sales by 17.2% [21].

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].