Core Insights - The beauty industry is undergoing a technological transformation, with the integration of medical research driving value upgrades in cosmetics. This dual integration of medicine and beauty is defining a new competitive logic in the industry [3][6][24]. Industry Trends - The 20th China Dermatology Association (CDA) conference showcased over 10,000 dermatologists and more than 100 companies, including both domestic and international beauty brands, highlighting the industry's focus on scientific collaboration [3][4]. - The concept of "medical-research co-creation" emerged as a key theme, with brands actively participating in discussions on how to contribute to the skin science system, moving from mere users of research to active participants in scientific understanding and industry standards [7][24]. Brand Innovations - Winona, a brand known for its scientific foundation, showcased its "NUTE" principle at CDA 2025, which emphasizes clinical needs, unique mechanisms, technology empowerment, and credible evidence in product development [10]. - HBN, a domestic skincare brand, initiated the establishment of a group standard for "Cosmetic Efficacy Evidence Weight Assessment Guidelines," aiming to shift the industry from experience-driven to evidence-based competition [11][13]. - Estee Lauder's Clinique presented a white paper on the causes and distribution patterns of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, demonstrating the brand's commitment to scientific validation [14][16]. Research and Development - The integration of research and clinical application is evident in the initiatives taken by brands like Giant Bio and Zhenyan Bio, which are expanding the boundaries of medical-research co-creation through innovative collagen products and clinical studies [20][22]. - The collaboration between brands and medical experts is evolving, with companies like Ximu Yuan conducting extensive research on sensitive skin, showcasing a shift from being mere users of research to contributors to scientific inquiry [24][25]. Future Outlook - The CDA conference highlighted a significant shift in the beauty industry towards a more scientific and collaborative approach, with brands, medical institutions, and research organizations forming a new ecosystem that emphasizes shared data and mutual advancement [47][48]. - The focus on original ingredient research is becoming a core strategy for leading domestic brands, as they aim to differentiate themselves from homogenized competition [38][39].

Core Viewpoint - The skincare industry is shifting from a focus on "ingredients" to a deeper understanding of "full-chain value," exemplified by Clinique's UP302 approval for new whitening efficacy, marking a significant milestone in the efficacy skincare market [2][3][9]. Industry Trends - The efficacy skincare market in China is at a critical turning point in 2025, moving away from ingredient-driven marketing to a trust-based model where scientific validation is paramount [6][7]. - The implementation of the 2021 Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation has ushered in a new era of scientific regulation, requiring efficacy claims to be backed by clinical or experimental data [7][9]. Clinique's Innovation - Clinique's UP302 (Dimethoxyphenyl Propyl Hydroxyphenol) is the first ingredient to receive regulatory approval for expanded whitening efficacy since the new regulations took effect, showcasing the brand's commitment to scientific innovation and regulatory compliance [3][9]. - The development of UP302 involved over 2,200 plant screenings, leading to a stable and effective formulation that enhances skin penetration and maintains high activity at low concentrations [15][17]. Mechanisms of Action - UP302 operates through a "three-dimensional regulatory system," targeting: 1. Source suppression of melanin through selective inhibition of tyrosinase activity [20]. 2. Glycation intervention to reverse "glycation-induced darkening" [20]. 3. Inflammation regulation to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) [21]. Clinical Integration - Clinique's "makeup-device combination" strategy integrates daily skincare with medical-grade products, providing a comprehensive management approach for patients undergoing aesthetic procedures [22][24]. - The brand has published the "2025 Aesthetic White Paper," which outlines a systematic care path centered around UP302, offering a replicable solution for medical institutions [28][30]. Future Outlook - The approval of UP302 and the establishment of a credible efficacy verification system signify a shift in the skincare market towards evidence-based competition, where scientific credibility will be the key differentiator [32][33]. - Clinique's approach emphasizes the importance of building a trust-based relationship with consumers through transparent scientific communication and evidence [32][33].