Core Insights - The "oil-based skincare" trend is driving explosive growth in the skincare market, with the facial and eye serum oil market expected to grow from 5.19 billion yuan in 2023 to 7.75 billion yuan in 2024, a nearly 50% year-on-year increase, and projected to exceed 11 billion yuan by 2025 [29][30] - Estee Lauder's recent launch of the "Rejuvenating Platinum Oil" and its collaboration with the classic "Rejuvenating Cream" introduces a new "oil-cream synergy" that aims to redefine high-end oil-based skincare standards [29][30] Market Growth - The facial serum oil segment is the main category, with sales expected to reach 6.04 billion yuan in 2024 and 8.79 billion yuan in 2025 [29] - The industry is challenged to move beyond single oil products and explore new possibilities in ingredient synergy, scenario expansion, and value expression [29] Product Innovation - The "Rejuvenating Platinum Oil" features a unique "three-phase oil extract" that mimics the structure of young skin's lipid membrane, utilizing a scientific 3:7 water-oil ratio for enhanced absorption and anti-aging effects [32][33] - Estee Lauder's proprietary ingredient "Colorin™" activates key longevity genes, promoting protein regeneration and enhancing cellular energy levels by up to 33% [33] Skincare Logic - The proposed "oil first, cream second" skincare logic creates a moisture-locking barrier that prevents nutrient loss while continuously releasing anti-aging ingredients, achieving a closed-loop effect of "penetration - repair - retention" [33] - This strategy targets core consumer groups aged 25-45, addressing both early and mature aging concerns through a comprehensive coverage approach [33] Brand Strategy - The launch event featured a "White Moonlight Star Matrix" with global skincare ambassador Zhu Yilong and renowned actresses, transforming a traditional beauty launch into an artistic event that enhances brand value and market presence [35] - The collaboration emphasizes a shared philosophy between the brand and its ambassadors, focusing on a slow yet powerful approach to beauty that resonates with high-end consumers [42] Future Outlook - Estee Lauder's approach demonstrates that understanding local needs, innovating experiential scenarios, and conveying deeper values are essential for leading the high-end market [42] - The "oil-cream synergy" strategy not only addresses the limitations of single oil products but also opens new growth avenues through ingredient collaboration and sensory innovation, positioning the brand strategically in the high-end market [42]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant shift in international beauty companies' strategies from "deepening local presence" to "empowering global results," driven by China's innovation ecosystem and supply chain capabilities [3][6][32]. Group 1: L'Oréal - L'Oréal views China as a crucial market and innovation hub, celebrating the 20th anniversary of its R&D center in China, emphasizing that investing in China is investing in the future [5][6]. - The company announced three major achievements at the expo, including the release of a sociology book on beauty, a partnership for consumer rights protection, and a strategic collaboration with Alibaba Cloud [7]. Group 2: Procter & Gamble - Procter & Gamble emphasizes innovation as a means to enhance consumer lives, focusing on consumer-centered strategies to drive category growth and value creation [9][10]. - The company has seen positive market responses to its commitment to innovation and consumer needs, leading to a more sustainable growth path [9][11]. Group 3: Estée Lauder - Estée Lauder's participation in the expo marks a significant moment as it showcases all its brands in China, reflecting its commitment to deepening interactions with Chinese consumers [14]. - The company reported a 9% organic sales growth in mainland China, highlighting its strong performance in the high-end beauty market [14]. Group 4: Shiseido - Shiseido positions itself as an industry innovator, focusing on addressing core challenges in the beauty sector while expanding its scientific and sustainable practices [17][18]. - The launch of the RQ PYOLOGY brand at the expo signifies Shiseido's commitment to the future of the beauty industry in China [19]. Group 5: Amorepacific - Amorepacific views the expo as a strategic platform for deep dialogue with the Chinese market, focusing on local innovation and sustainable development [21][22]. - The company aims to enhance its local R&D capabilities and consumer engagement through various initiatives [25][24]. Group 6: Kao - Kao emphasizes its commitment to the Chinese market, showcasing a diverse range of products and innovations at the expo [28][29]. - The company highlights its collaborative approach between its Japanese headquarters and local R&D teams to meet Chinese consumer needs [30]. Group 7: Henkel - Henkel's participation in the expo reflects its long-term strategic planning and commitment to the Chinese market, showcasing new products and innovations [37][39]. - The company aims to transition from a multi-brand operator to a value chain leader, enhancing its local manufacturing capabilities [39].

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 China International Import Expo (CIIE) saw a lower participation rate from leading beauty companies, reflecting a trend of market growth slowing down and companies opting for cost-saving measures while still seeking innovative product development and localized strategies [1][2]. Group 1: Product Innovation and Localization - New products are taking center stage, with a focus on localized customization being a key theme among multinational companies [2][4]. - Shiseido's medical beauty brand RQ PYOLOGY showcased a new project developed in collaboration with local institutions, emphasizing the importance of local partnerships in innovation [2][4]. - The introduction of a unique "skin rhythm" evaluation system by RQ PYOLOGY aims to provide precise skin condition analysis, highlighting a shift towards research-driven, localized product strategies [4][20]. Group 2: Mature Brand Strategy - Multinational companies are increasingly favoring the introduction of mature brands into the Chinese market as a pragmatic response to slowing growth, leveraging established supply chains and faster market entry [9][11]. - Shiseido's fragrance and beauty brand Serge Lutens made its debut at the expo, with plans for formal entry into the Chinese market next year [11][13]. - The professional skincare sector is also witnessing a wave of established brands entering the market, such as Amorepacific's Aestheline and L'Oréal's Dr.G, indicating a trend towards stability and reliability in brand offerings [11][13]. Group 3: Technological Innovation - Technology is redefining competitive boundaries, with brands like Kosé utilizing quantum computing to enhance product formulation efficiency [17][20]. - L'Oréal released a white paper on PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) applications in skincare, showcasing its potential in anti-aging and skin longevity [20][22]. - Chinese companies like Huaxi Bio are also responding to global anti-aging trends with systematic research on ECM (extracellular matrix) solutions, indicating a robust focus on scientific innovation [22][24]. Group 4: Market Trends and Consumer Focus - Beauty brands are shifting from aggressive marketing tactics to enhancing user experience, focusing on product efficacy and consumer needs [9][20]. - The emphasis on practical innovation reflects a broader industry consensus that growth is returning to a more rational and realistic trajectory, prioritizing verifiable product effectiveness over mere concepts [24].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes Estée Lauder's commitment to the Chinese market through its participation in the China International Import Expo, showcasing a comprehensive strategy that includes local R&D and innovative technology to meet consumer demands [3][19]. Group 1: Strategic Commitment - Estée Lauder's CEO highlighted the importance of deepening local R&D and technological innovation to align with Chinese consumer needs [3]. - The company presented a complete brand matrix for the first time at the expo, featuring 17 brands across various categories, demonstrating its commitment to the Chinese market [8][9]. - The theme of the expo participation, "Reshaping the New Beauty Landscape, Together Towards a Prosperous Future," reflects the company's strategic evolution from being a participant to a co-creator in the beauty industry [4][6]. Group 2: Innovative Experiences - The expo featured an interactive innovation R&D zone, celebrating 20 years of innovation in China, where attendees could engage with advanced beauty technologies [10][11]. - New products included AI skin detection tools and ultrasound skin measurement devices, enhancing consumer interaction and experience [10][11]. - The introduction of a smart makeup application showcased the company's focus on personalized beauty solutions [11]. Group 3: Product Innovation - Estée Lauder launched over a hundred new products, including several global and China debuts, addressing specific consumer needs in skincare, makeup, and fragrance [20][22]. - The "Rejuvenating Essence Oil" exemplifies the company's response to the nuanced anti-aging demands of Chinese consumers, integrating years of research into a new product [22][24]. - The company is actively developing products tailored to the high-growth potential of the Chinese market, particularly in the medical beauty sector [26][28]. Group 4: Market Performance - The latest financial report indicated a 9% organic sales growth in mainland China, highlighting the company's strong performance in the high-end beauty market [29][30]. - Seven brands under Estée Lauder achieved double-digit growth in China, with La Mer showing nearly triple-digit growth [29]. - The establishment of a dedicated China innovation R&D center and the elevation of the China market to an independent reporting region reflect the company's strategic focus on local responsiveness [30][32]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The article concludes that Estée Lauder's strategic decisions and local market engagement are not just reactive but part of a broader, proactive approach to capitalize on China's vibrant consumer landscape [32][33].