Core Viewpoint - Autophagy is a crucial mechanism for cellular self-cleaning and repair, playing a significant role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and vitality, and is increasingly recognized as a key pathway in anti-aging research within the beauty industry [3][5][30]. Group 1: Importance of Autophagy - Autophagy has been validated in the scientific community, with significant recognition such as the Nobel Prize awarded in 2016 for its role in aging [4]. - The loss of autophagic function is now considered a core marker of cellular aging, highlighting its importance in anti-aging science [4]. - Major beauty brands like L'Oréal, Procter & Gamble, and Shiseido have initiated research into the application of autophagy in skin aging, although this research is still in a relatively early stage [4][9]. Group 2: Current Research and Applications - Many beauty companies are incorporating autophagy into their research agendas, viewing it as a new scientific pathway connecting multiple benefits such as anti-aging, whitening, and repair [7][9]. - Shiseido utilizes ingredients like tranexamic acid and camellia seed extract to activate autophagy pathways, enhancing skin cell regeneration [9]. - Procter & Gamble's SK-II and OLAY brands are exploring the potential of ingredients like Pitera™ to promote autophagy and clear damaged proteins [9]. Group 3: Market Position and Challenges - Despite the growing research on autophagy, it remains a "behind-the-scenes" concept in market communication, often not highlighted as a core selling point [10][11]. - Brands tend to integrate autophagy into broader efficacy claims, making it less visible to consumers [11]. - The complexity of the autophagy concept poses challenges for consumer education and market positioning, requiring brands to translate scientific terms into relatable benefits [35][36]. Group 4: Future Prospects - The understanding of aging biology is evolving, shifting from external repair to internal optimization, with autophagy emerging as a central mechanism [34]. - There is a need for brands to effectively communicate the benefits of autophagy to consumers, establishing it as a recognized and valuable anti-aging mechanism [35]. - As research progresses and consumer education deepens, more products centered around autophagy are expected to emerge in the market [38].