From young formulators pushing for novel innovations to AI-powered ingredient discovery, companies are racing to stay ahead in the current beauty space. Meanwhile, regulatory changes and global competition continue to shape the business landscape.
In this month’s Across the CD-Verse roundup, we explore the latest industry developments—from Clariant’s cutting-edge ingredient solutions to the rise of longevity-focused beauty products and even how Gen Z in Southeast Asia is redefining luxury with fragrance.
CosmeticsDesign APAC
Young cosmetic formulators challenge industry with demand for novel innovations – Clariant
At this year’s Personal Care and Homecare Ingredients (PCHi) exhibition in Guangzhou, Clariant introduced its Beauty = Clariant (X) concept, which highlights how its portfolio of ingredients can come together to create solutions that meet various consumer preferences and needs.
“The PCHi show allows us to showcase our unique approach to decoding beauty through cutting-edge ingredients that deliver unparalleled sensory experiences and high-performance efficacy,” said Michael Haspel, Clariant’s Global Head of Personal & Home Care.
Balancing ‘soft power’ of culture key to growth of Chinese beauty brands – Florasis
“By integrating traditional Chinese cultural elements and Eastern aesthetics into our cosmetics, we have established a differentiated position among the many outstanding international beauty brands,” said Li Huiliang, Florasis’ chief laboratory technologist.
By developing both aspects, Li believes Chinese brands can strengthen their global presence.
‘Perfume is cost-effective luxury’: Why Gen Z is driving purchases in SEA
“When SEA Gen Z buy perfume, they are basically hitting three birds with one stone. Perfume offers self-care, self-expression, and also affordable luxury,” explained Ann Domingo, analyst Canvas8 Asia-Pacific, a global market insights firm.
Despite the inflationary pressures, fragrance has remained relatively unaffected as compared to other luxury beauty categories like skin care.
“Nowadays, perfume is kind of seen as a cost-effective luxury purchase, because not only does it enhance self-expression, but it also functions as a wellness product that can help Southeast Asians cope with financial stress,” Domingo told the Beauty Broadcast.
Japan’s athletia introduces new serum for easy hair restyling on the go
In addition to daily skin care, athletia’s product line-up aims to support both moments of activity and relaxation.
Its latest release, called Restyling Hair Serum, is part of the “active and go” series, which caters to people who are constantly on the move.
The product is made with a combination of plant-derived ingredients and hair care technologies that are said to help users easily reset their hairstyles in “a variety of situations where hairstyling is inconvenient”.
CosmeticsDesign EMEA
Beauty business leaders unite to ask EU to guarantee global competitiveness
This month, 16 CEOs from across the European beauty and personal care industry including Beiersdorf, dsm-firmenich, FIABILA, Givaudan, IFF, IFRA, L’Oréal Groupe, Puig, Verescence, and Ziaja gathered in Brussels to ask EU policymakers to ensure the sector stays competitive on a global scale.
The Alliance has called for “collaborative policymaking that recognises the industry’s unique characteristics, challenges, and significant contributions to the EU economy.”
Oriflame finds new ingredient for menopausal skin using AI
Scientists at the Swedish cosmetics company Oriflame have used AI to select potential active ingredients and, as a result, have developed a natural-origin ingredient that restores skin affected by declining oestrogen levels.
The company said this innovation “marks a significant milestone” in its bid to develop more advanced, science-backed skincare solutions.”
Anti-aging reimagined
In recent years, there has been a change of narrative brought about by a more holistic approach to beauty, linking it to health and wellness, along with a growing consumer demand for a more scientific approach and proof of product efficacy.
‘Longevity’ has officially stolen the spotlight from ‘anti-aging’, and beauty and personal care products are increasingly taking an inside-out approach, combining nutricosmetics with topical products.
Cosmetics Europe files action to “seek clarity” on EU’s revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive
Cosmetics Europe, along with the trade association for the pharmaceutical industry EFPIA, has launched legal proceedings in response to the new Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) rules, which came into force on 1 January 2025.
The EU polluter-pays principle is a core concept of EU environmental policy that states that those responsible for environmental damage should pay to cover the costs of the damage they cause.
CosmeticsDesign Americas
Bridging science and beauty: A conversation with NYSCC’s 2025 Chair John Carola
As the cosmetics and personal care industries continue to evolve at a rapid pace, scientific advancements and industry collaboration have never been more crucial. At the helm of the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC) in 2025 is John Carola, whose vision, Nexus of Science and Beauty, reflects the organization’s commitment to bridging cutting-edge research with real-world innovation.
In this exclusive Q&A, Carola shares his insights on NYSCC’s priorities, the latest industry trends, and what members and attendees can expect from the highly anticipated Suppliers’ Day 2025.
ELC partners with Serpin Pharma to advance anti-inflammatory skin care innovation
Serpin Pharma’s proprietary SERPIN technology distinguishes itself from existing anti-inflammatory ingredients by targeting a specific protein present in every skin cell called SERPINs (Serine Protease Inhibitors). “This protein plays a crucial role in controlling inflammation, helping the skin heal, protect itself, and stay healthy,” Haney explained.
“By influencing how skin cells respond,” he continued, “SERPIN technology can shift the skin’s reaction from promoting inflammation to reducing it—like flipping a switch, [which] makes it a comprehensive and effective approach to calming and rejuvenating the skin.”
Navigating LATAM’s evolving cosmetic regulations: Key challenges and opportunities
Regulatory divergence poses a significant challenge for brands looking to enter multiple LATAM markets. Differences in registration processes, ingredient restrictions, and customs procedures can create barriers to seamless market access.
For example, Silva illustrated that a brand can “have homologated health notifications as long as they are within the trade agreement, but in the end, must register on each platform corresponding to each country’s institution.”
Neutrogena’s 360 marketing evolution: Blending digital, experience, and entertainment
In addition to McRae’s tour sponsorship, Neutrogena’s inclusion in her “Revolving Door” music video highlighted how the brand’s strategy enables embedding itself into cultural moments that resonate with consumers.
“Through Tate’s partnership with Neutrogena, we are fully immersing the brand into her world—making our feature in her music video feel like a natural fit,” Tomaschko said. “The video opens with a cameo featuring several posters of Tate and her signature product, Hydro Boost Water Gel, within the first two seconds of the video,” she explained.