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South Korea launches 'K-brand' scheme to fight counterfeitsASIA BEAUTY

Brands, People & M&A

South Korea launches 'K-brand' scheme to fight counterfeits

South Korea's president said on Wednesday, October 7, the country is taking steps to protect its booming cultural cache, launching a new "K-brand" authentication system that will let consumers know if goods they are purchasing are the real deal. Led by K-pop acts such as BTS, hit Netflix series "Squid Game" and "KPop Demon Hunters", the so-called "Hallyu", or Korean cultural wave, saw content exports hit a record USD 14.9 billion last year, surpassing overseas sales of computers and home...

Recycled Zamak: PPWR drives market maturity and volume growthASIA BEAUTY

Markets & Trends

Recycled Zamak: PPWR drives market maturity and volume growth

Resistant, heavy, and highly malleable, zamak* offers several advantages that make it well suited to the luxury fragrance industry. Its recyclability is well established; the challenge now is to ensure that recycled zamak can meet the sector's demanding technical and aesthetic requirements. Spoiler alert: it can. As the market gains momentum, the recycled zamak sector is maturing and expanding its production capacity. Here's why. As the European Union seeks to accelerate the transition to...

Markets & Trends

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Recycled Zamak: PPWR drives market maturity and volume growthASIA BEAUTY

Markets & Trends

Recycled Zamak: PPWR drives market maturity and volume growth

Resistant, heavy, and highly malleable, zamak* offers several advantages that make it well suited to the luxury fragrance industry. Its recyclability is well established; the challenge now is to ensure that recycled zamak can meet the sector's demanding technical and aesthetic requirements. Spoiler alert: it can. As the market gains momentum, the recycled zamak sector is maturing and expanding its production capacity. Here's why. As the European Union seeks to accelerate the transition to...

Ulta Beauty raises 2026 outlook as fragrance and exclusive brands fuel growthASIA BEAUTY

Markets & Trends

Ulta Beauty raises 2026 outlook as fragrance and exclusive brands fuel growth

Ulta Beauty has raised its full-year sales and earnings guidance on Thursday, August 27, after delivering stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, underscoring the resilience of the U.S. beauty market despite persistent economic uncertainty. For the second quarter of fiscal 2026, ended August 1, the U.S. beauty retailer reported net sales of US$3.04 billion, up 8.9% year on year, while comparable sales increased 3.8%, outperforming market expectations. The performance was driven by...

Luxury returns to growth, fueled by US and China demandASIA BEAUTY

Markets & Trends

Luxury returns to growth, fueled by US and China demand

After years of sluggish sales, luxury heavyweights rebounded in the first half of the year, driven by strong U.S. demand and a modest recovery in China, though the sector has yet to regain its post-pandemic boom momentum. LVMH, the world's leading luxury group, reported on July 27 a 2% increase in first-half revenue on a comparable basis, with growth accelerating in the second quarter. Hermès delivered a stronger performance, posting sales growth of more than 6% at constant exchange rates....

Beiersdorf cuts profit forecast and speeds up Nivea turnaroundASIA BEAUTY

Markets & Trends

Beiersdorf cuts profit forecast and speeds up Nivea turnaround

German cosmetics giant Beiersdorf announced on Monday, August 3, a downgrade to its full-year outlook, following a slower-than-expected recovery of its flagship Nivea brand. The company said it will now accelerate its turnaround efforts for the iconic label. In the first half of the year, Beiersdorf's Derma business, comprising the Eucerin and Aquaphor brands, once again outperformed, delivering 7.8% organic sales growth, driven by innovation and expansion into new market segments. In...

Brands, People & M&A

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South Korea launches 'K-brand' scheme to fight counterfeitsASIA BEAUTY

Brands, People & M&A

South Korea launches 'K-brand' scheme to fight counterfeits

South Korea's president said on Wednesday, October 7, the country is taking steps to protect its booming cultural cache, launching a new "K-brand" authentication system that will let consumers know if goods they are purchasing are the real deal. Led by K-pop acts such as BTS, hit Netflix series "Squid Game" and "KPop Demon Hunters", the so-called "Hallyu", or Korean cultural wave, saw content exports hit a record USD 14.9 billion last year, surpassing overseas sales of computers and home...

Space NK names Emma Simpson-Scott CEO as Andy Lightfoot steps downASIA BEAUTY

Brands, People & M&A

Space NK names Emma Simpson-Scott CEO as Andy Lightfoot steps down

British prestige beauty retailer Space NK has announced the appointment of Emma Simpson Scott as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 13. She succeeds Andy Lightfoot, who is stepping down as CEO after leading the business through a period of significant growth and transformation and its recent acquisition by Ulta Beauty. "We wish Andy Lightfoot all the best in his next chapter and gratitude for his ten years of service and all that he has done for Space NK, including joining forces...

Virginie Cavalli appointed as CEO of cosmetic ingredients supplier SeppicASIA BEAUTY

Brands, People & M&A

Virginie Cavalli appointed as CEO of cosmetic ingredients supplier Seppic

The Air Liquide Healthcare subsidiary has appointed Virginie Cavalli as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2026. Seppic designs, manufactures, and distributes a wide range of specialty ingredients used in cosmetics, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, veterinary products, and industrial applications. Nearly 900 employees support customers in 100 countries through the company's subsidiaries and distributor network. A graduate of EM Lyon Business School with a degree in financial...

KKR acquires Japanese beauty and lifestyle group Ci FlavorsASIA BEAUTY

Brands, People & M&A

KKR acquires Japanese beauty and lifestyle group Ci Flavors

Global investment firm KKR has agreed to acquire leading Japanese cosmetics group Ci Flavors from all existing shareholders, including Ci Flavors founder Yusaku Horiuchi, L Catterton, eBeauty Group, and Yanagi Capital Partners. Yusaku Horiuchi and Representative Director and CEO Yoshiaki Okura will both be investing alongside KKR in the transaction. With roots dating back to 2011, Ci Flavors has grown into one of Japan's leading beauty and lifestyle brand platforms, offering products across...

Retail & E-Commerce

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rhode makes European retail debut at Sephora in 19 countriesASIA BEAUTY

Retail & E-Commerce

rhode makes European retail debut at Sephora in 19 countries

Previously available in Europe exclusively through rhodeskin.com, the brand founded by Hailey Rhode Bieber and acquired by e.l.f. Beauty last year will now be sold in more than 500 Sephora stores across the region, starting September 30, 2026. Following its launch at Sephora in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom in 2025, rhode is continuing to expand its physical retail presence across a number of key markets. rhode is now available for consumers to shop at Sephora in 19 new...

Frasers Group seals acquisition of UK department store chain Harvey NicholsASIA BEAUTY

Retail & E-Commerce

Frasers Group seals acquisition of UK department store chain Harvey Nichols

British retail giant Frasers Group has acquired luxury retailer Harvey Nichols for an undisclosed amount, gaining control of six UK stores, the company's online business, inventory, and international franchise network. Frasers Group announced on Thursday, August 13, that it has acquired luxury department store chain Harvey Nichols out of administration for an undisclosed sum. The deal follows the appointment of FTI Consulting as administrator in June. The transaction includes Harvey...

K- Beauty: Trends Into EssentialsASIA BEAUTY

Retail & E-Commerce

K- Beauty: Trends Into Essentials

Not so long ago, K‐Beauty felt like a niche trend. You'd hear beauty insiders talking about glass skin, innovative sheet masks and skincare ingredients that hadn't quite reached the mainstream yet. Fast forward to today and it's hard to walk through a beauty retailer, scroll social media or browse an online skincare store without seeing the influence of Korean beauty everywhere

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