Where celebrity insights will meet breakthrough biotech innovations

21 AUGUST, Bangkok: in-cosmetics Asia, organised by RX, will unite more than 700 global and Asia Pacific suppliers for its most dynamic edition yet. The 2025 edition will create opportunities, insights and inspiration for APAC’s personal care community to develop and formulate products that meet evolving consumer needs. Registration to attend is now live.

Taking place on 4-6 November at BITEC in Bangkok, Thailand, the event will seek to provide solutions to key challenges with the programme to revolve around themes of biotech, sustainability, consumer trends, halal, product multifunctionality, UV protection and well-ageing. With visitor registration currently up 37% compared to last year, the 16th edition promises to be the biggest and most vibrant in the show’s history.

As the Asia Pacific region continues to lead the global beauty and personal care market, accounting for almost 40% , in-cosmetics Asia stands as the region’s leading personal care ingredients platform for discovering the latest trends and scientific discoveries driving industry growth.

Insight, innovation, and regional perspectives

Across the three days, a line-up of keynote sessions will explore some of the most influential themes shaping the region. The Marketing Trends theatre, sponsored by BASF, will feature sessions from industry-leading figures from companies including Euromonitor, Kline, Mintel, and Amorepacific and more.

Celebrity star power will take centre stage with the session, ‘Celebrity Singer to Beauty Entrepreneur Journey!’ featuring Raisa Andriana, one of Indonesia’s most celebrated pop music artists with 37 million Instagram followers. Alongside Titania Fairuskha, together they co-founded Indonesia’s rising beauty brand, Raine Beauty. Andriana and Fairushkha will explore their journey which shaped a brand that fuses music, personal identity and minimalist elegance into a distinctive voice. The session will explore how Raine Beauty navigates formulation, storytelling, and community-building in a competitive market, highlighting the power of authenticity, passion, and pop culture in creating next-generation beauty brands that truly resonate with consumers across the Asia Pacific region.

The session, ‘Consumer Behaviour Shifts Across China, India, South-East Asia,’ will delve into the evolving consumer trends across the APAC region with insights from Florence Bernardin and Héloise Lefebvre du Prey, Owner and Project Manager, Asia Cosme Lab. They will discuss how beauty consumers are becoming more ingredient- and trend-savvy, seeking multifunctional products, and highlight key behaviour drivers across China, India, and Southeast Asia.

The Middle East’s beauty industry is one of the most buoyant and fast-evolving beauty markets in the world. Faiza Hussain, Director of The Skin Shrink and Head of Research and Product Innovation, NEX Skincare, will lead her session on‘Beauty in the Middle East – Formulating for the Middle Eastern Consumer,’ which will dive into fast-growing sector.

Michele Superchi, Global Vice President, and Suthini Tanangsnakooli, Forecast Editor at BEAUTYSTREAMS, will discover the advancing beauty landscape in: ‘The Future of Beauty: 2026 Trends Across Skincare, Haircare, Colour & Wellness.’ Meanwhile, KinShen Chan, Associate Director of Beauty and Personal Care Insights, Mintel APAC, will discuss ‘2026 Global Beauty and Personal Care Trends,’ in a forward-looking session that will unpack emerging trends, disruptive technologies, and shifting consumer behaviours.

Other sessions will focus on advancing trends and emerging innovations, providing fresh perspectives and insight into what is next for the industry, including: ‘How Southeast Asia’s Youth are Redefining Beauty and who’s Winning their Hearts,’ and ‘From Seoul to Shelf: K-Beauty’s Impact on the Future of OTC Sunscreens & Regulatory Compliance.’ To see the full Marketing Trends Theatre programme, visit the website here.

Following its successful 2024 debut, the Conference in association with the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) will return to the event this year with an agenda set to cover Well-Ageing including clinical and biological insights. Full programme details will be released soon.

Ingredient knowledge and scientific advances

A series of Technical Seminars will offer highly advanced perspectives into new ingredients and technology from scientists and technical experts. Sessions from companies such as RADIANT Inc, ROELMI HPC, Oleon, DOW, Solabia Group, J. Rettenmaier & Söhne, will touch on topics such as anti-ageing, emulsions, SPF, fragrance ingredients and more.

Seminars will include: ‘Advancing Longevity: Innovative Approach for Healthy Ageing and Skin Vitality,’ by Oriane Le Roux from Solabia Group, addressing the growing focus on longevity and senescence. Dr. Carsten Dietz from Cosphatec GmbH will speak on ‘Hydrogenated Lecithins: Unlocking the Future of Skincare Innovation,’ showcasing how hydrogenated lecithins with high phosphatidylcholine content mimic the skin’s lipid barrier to enhance penetration, hydration, and bioavailability of actives.

Armin Ungerer, Deputy Head of Research and Development, J. Rettenmaier & Söhne, will lead the session, ‘Boosting SPF and Enhancing Formulations with Natural Ingredients,’ revealing how VIVAPUR® CS 9 FM and VIVAPUR® CS TEX Sun can transform suncare products.

Hands-on expertise

The interactive Formulation Lab sessions, supported by Personal Care Magazine, IKA, Shieling Laboratories, and Namsiang, offer R&D professionals a unique hands-on opportunity in a fully equipped lab on the show floor. Participants can work alongside peers from across Asia Pacific, taking part in sessions such as: ‘Next-Gen Lightweight Formulation: Calm, Protect, and Defend Against UV Rays and Exposomes,’ with Mie Lin Soong, Regional Technical Manager, Gattefossé SAS; ‘Explore Your Perfect Shade: Personalize Vitamin C Foundation with Hand-Mixed Colour Fitting,’ led by Kohei Anzai, Scientist, R&D Center, Nikko Chemicals; and ‘Synergistic Gel Pairing for Stable, Enhanced Formulas,’ with Gaelle Coestesquis, Formulation Manager APAC, Lucas Meyer Cosmetics by Clariant.

The full 2025 Formulation Lab programme will be revealed soon.

Innovations from the show floor

Hangzhou Sartort Biopharma Co., Ltd, a Chinese ingredient supplier, will present a wide range of ingredients, including Alpha Arbutin, Tranexamic Acid, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Nicotinamide, and Tretinoin. The company’s portfolio covers applications in moisturising, whitening, and soothing formulations. Italian ingredient developer, SAES Chemicals, which creates functional materials for cosmetic applications will showcase its ZeoSAES® range which produces high purity, texturising inorganic ingredients derived from engineered zeolites, designed for use in sensorial formulations.

BK Solutions and Specialities will present US FDA-certified Carbon Black Water-Based Dispersion, a high-purity pigment designed for vibrant, long-lasting cosmetic applications. Turkey-based KALE CARE CHEMICALS will demonstrate its speciality blends and micro and macro emulsions for personal care and home care. Exhibitors from the region including Namsiang Co.,Ltd., Vance Bioenergy, Daito Kasei, will be joined by companies from across the globe, such as CNP Life Sciences, Gustav Heess GmbH, Innovacos, Libra Speciality Chemicals, and many more.

New exhibitors to 2025 include Thai company Malee Applied Sciences, a manufacturer and distributor which will be exhibiting ORENIX®, a Thai extract derived from upcycling tangerines; Naulakha Essentials, a leading Indian manufacturer of melt & pour soap bases; and Melt&Marble, a Sweden-based biotechnology company developing the next generation of sustainable lipids and related molecules.

Showcasing the latest breakthrough ingredients

Sponsored by Mibelle AG Biochemistry, the Innovation Zone will feature more than 100 personal care ingredients launched within eight months of the event. The most anticipated area of in-cosmetics Asia, it attracts 76% of attendees eager to discover the industry’s latest innovations firsthand. Visitors can test prototypes from leading companies such as BASF, Cargill NV, Evonik, Rahn, EXSYMOL, and more. All ingredients in the Zone will be contenders for the in-cosmetics Asia Awards.

Where biotech meets beauty

A rising trend not just in the APAC region but globally, biotechnology is gaining significant traction with consumers and formulators alike. PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), exosomes, biomimicry and NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) are emerging as trending ingredients demonstrating the blend of natural resources and advanced science.

This year’s Spotlight on Biotech Beauty area, sponsored by BASF, will offer a dedicated area for innovations in biotech. Featuring formulated ingredients from leading exhibitors, the area invites visitors to experience the next generation of beauty innovations firsthand, from hyaluronic acid and exosome-based actives to lab-grown collagen and peptides. Exhibitors in this space will include Ichimaru Pharcos Co., ltd, Melt&Marble, Micro Powders, TriBeaute Inc., and more. All showcased prototypes will be entered into the Spotlight on Formulation Awards, with a dedicated Spotlight on Guide to help visitors navigate the innovations on display.

Industry expertise, insight and connections

New for 2025, in-cosmetics Asia will host Ask the Experts Networking Sessions, giving visitors the chance to connect with industry specialists in a relaxed, interactive setting. Taking place from 16:15 to 17:15 at the Award Ceremony area, attendees can visit desks covering formulation, product development, natural and organic sustainability, regulations and marketing. Experts include Dr Oliver Hofmann, in-cosmetics Asia’s Official Technical Advisor; Faiza Hussain, Director of The Skin Shrink and Head of Research at NEX Skincare; Amarjit Sahota, Founder of Ecovia Intelligence; and Dr Barbara Olioso, CEO of The Green Chemist Consultancy.

For more information, visit the ‘Ask the Experts’ page here.

9 Faces of the APAC beauty industry

Following its inaugural year in 2024, the 9 Faces of the APAC Beauty Industry 2025 Awards, supported by Personal Care Magazine, will recognise and celebrate the remarkable individuals driving innovation, creativity and success in the Asia Pacific cosmetic science industry. The initiative shines a well-deserved spotlight on the changemakers, and unsung heroes based in Asia Pacific whose contributions help advance the industry into a more scientific, sustainable and forward-thinking era.

Nine individuals will be selected by an expert judging panel, with the winners celebrated at the in-cosmetics Asia Awards. To nominate yourself or a colleague for free, visit the website here.

Sarah Gibson, Event Director of in-cosmetics Asia, said: “in-cosmetics Asia is a celebration of the personal care industry – a place where the region’s brightest minds, leading brands, and most innovative suppliers come together to share ideas and showcase advancements from across APAC and beyond.

For 2025, we are thrilled to deliver our biggest and most engaging edition yet, with visitor interest soaring, more than 700 global and Asia Pacific exhibitors, and exciting new areas such as the Spotlight on Biotech Beauty and a Marketing Trends Theatre that is more diverse than ever.“

We are also running a special hosted buyer and brand owner programme, introducing manufacturers from the region to the show as first-time visitors, ensuring fresh connections and business opportunities. From exclusive product launches to innovative education and unparalleled networking opportunities, this year’s event promises to set a new benchmark for innovation, collaboration and growth in the industry.”

in-cosmetics Asia 2025 will take place at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), in Bangkok, Thailand, from 4-6 November 2025. The event will be co-located with COSMEX, ASEAN’s most comprehensive exhibition on manufacturing technologies, machinery, packaging, and ODM/OEM services for cosmetics and personal care. For more information and to register, visit the in-cosmetics Asia website here.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For further information, please contact Olivia Evans or Kat Long on 020 7240 2444 or in-cosmetics@stormcom.co.uk

About RX
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 41 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com

About RELX
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors

The agenda will spotlight biotech formulation challenges and consumer trends

in-cosmetics Asia, the leading event in Asia Pacific for personal care ingredients, is poised to deliver its biggest and most dynamic show to date as it returns to BITEC, Bangkok from 4-6 November 2025.

This year’s event will play host to 80% of the world’s top 10 ingredient suppliers, including industry giants like BASF, Croda, Clariant, and Evonik. It is also expected to welcome 90% of the world’s top 10 cosmetic manufacturers, from L’Oréal and P&G to Kenvue and Unilever.

Now in its 16th year, in-cosmetics Asia has tripled in size since its launch, reflecting the growing demand among R&D professionals and formulators for ingredient solutions in the region.

The 2025 edition will feature over 700 exhibitors and welcome thousands of cosmetic scientists, manufacturers, brand owners, and product developers from across Asia Pacific and further afield. Based on the registration alert requests, overall demand for the show is already tracking 273% higher than at this stage in 2024.

Amid market volatility and regulatory shifts in the US, EU and China, global cosmetic brands are increasingly turning to Asia Pacific, with in-cosmetics Asia website traffic from the US, Russia and China up by 105%, 69% and 22%, respectively.

Up to 100 new exhibitors will be joining the event, with traffic to the website’s Exhibitor Directory up by 151% compared to last year; a clear sign of how eager personal care experts are to research and source the latest personal care ingredients.

in-cosmetics Asia 2025 continues to evolve alongside industry trends, with this year’s show placing a strong spotlight on:
• Personalisation and AI-powered beauty
• Shifting consumer behaviours across China, India and Southeast Asia
• Ethical cosmetics and sustainability: with marine-derived ingredients emerging as one of the most searched-for categories on the website.
• Product stability and efficacy: a core focus of this year’s Technical Seminar and Formulation Lab programmes.
• SPF and UV protection: with the latest advances in UV filters, formulation strategies and regional compliance challenges.

Sarah Gibson, Event Director at in-cosmetics Asia, said:

“This year marks an exciting turning point. As beauty brands navigate macroeconomic pressures and shifting consumer priorities, we have seen growing interest in APAC based on its agility, speed to market and endless demographic opportunities. in-cosmetics Asia 2025 will echo that momentum, not just in scale, but in how deeply we engage with the industry’s most pressing needs.

“From the rise of biotech beauty to the growing demand for well-ageing solutions, we’re aligning our programme with the real challenges facing formulators today: matching consumer trends with R&D capabilities, efficacy, ingredient compatibility, UV protection and more. This year’s show will provide attendees a platform to innovate and advance with confidence. There’s much more to come, and we look forward to revealing what’s in store!”

in-cosmetics Asia will take place from 4-6 November 2025 at BITEC, Bangkok. It will be co-located with COSMEX, ASEAN’s leading manufacturing, packaging and OEM/ODM exhibition for personal care and dietary supplement products.

Visitor registration will open in early August. For more information, visit here.

ENDS
Notes to editors: For further information please contact Olivia Evans or Kat Long at the in-cosmetics press office on 020 7240 2444 or in-cosmetics@stormcom.co.uk

About RX
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.

About RELX
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors

Despite its abundance of local herbs, Thailand imports 90% of its personal care ingredients.*

Thailand’s heavy reliance on imported personal care ingredients

According to Science Direct, despite its rich biodiversity and abundance of local herbs, Thailand imports approximately 90% of its personal care ingredients. But why? From the country’s reliance on beauty and personal care regulations, technological limitations, consumer choices  and supply chain challenges, understanding these factors is crucial.

Let’s find out more…

Processing and refinement challenges

While Thailand is home to a vast array of medicinal and aromatic plants such as lemongrass, turmeric, pandan, and tamarind, it lacks the advanced infrastructure required to process these ingredients into high-quality cosmetic-grade extracts.

As a rule, global cosmetic formulations often demand standardized active ingredients with exact concentrations, purity, and stability, in many cases requirements that prove a challenge for Thailand’s raw ingredient processing industry.

With the trend for savvy consumers keen on science-backed beauty, the majority of multinational cosmetic brands expect to be supplied with highly refined and laboratory-tested ingredients that meet strict safety and efficacy standards.

Since Thailand’s extraction and refinement technology is not as sophisticated as that of leading Western nations like France, Germany or Switzerland and the likes of Japan, it is often more practical for manufacturers in Thailand to import ingredients that are already tested, certified, and formulation-ready.

Regulations and certification challenges

While Thailand has a flourishing herbal and natural beauty sector, many domestic ingredients lack the necessary international certifications necessary for large-scale use in premium cosmetic products.

For example, ECOCERT (for organic cosmetics) or COSMOS (for natural and organic personal care) require stringent documentation and testing. As many Thai suppliers struggle to meet these requirements, sourcing and importing certified ingredients rather than investing in developing a local supply chain proves more cost-effective for Thai brands to meet global standards.

Consumer choices and market needs

Traditionally, Thai consumers, especially those in the premium beauty segment, tend to associate imported ingredients from the West and Japan in particular, with higher expertise, quality and effectiveness. As a result, local consumers favour beauty products formulated with actives that have been sourced overseas such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and retinol.

Even within Thailand’s blooming natural beauty sector, brands feel that they often need to highlight exotic botanicals that have been imported, such as Swiss edelweiss or Moroccan argan oil rather than locally available herbs. This preference further drives demand for  ingredients from overseas, even when local alternatives exist.

Supply chain and costs

The Thai beauty market is vibrant and very competitive, which means that local brands must balance cost-effectiveness with product performance. Sourcing ingredients locally saves costs but the lack of large-scale production facilities and extensive testing make it a challenge for manufacturers. Imported ingredients often come with established supplier reliability, quality assurance, and scalability, all of which are key factors for brands looking to produce high-performance cosmetics.

Conclusion

While Thailand boasts a wealth of natural resources, the industry’s demand for high-quality, standardized, and globally recognized personal care ingredients continues to push high import rates. For overseas personal care ingredient suppliers, this represents a significant opportunity to expand in the region.

*Source: www.sciencedirect.com

To discover more about the Thai and Asia Pacific market and its opportunities, visit in-cosmetics Asia in Bangkok on 4-6 November 2025.

Boasting a population surpassing 270 million, Indonesia stands as the fourth most populous nation in the world, representing about 3.45% of the global total.

According to UNICEF, children make up a full third of Indonesia’s population, totalling approximately 80 million individuals, which also positions Indonesia as the world’s fourth-largest child population.

As such, Indonesia consistently witnesses a growing demand for mom and baby care products across the archipelago. Indonesia’s demographic prominence underscores its significant role on the world stage and the saturation of its baby and child market presents a ripe opportunity for mom and baby care businesses in the country.

Mom and Baby Products Generates Money

In 2023, Indonesia’s Baby & Child market exhibited noteworthy dynamics, generating a substantial revenue of US$88.11 million.

Projections suggest a promising trajectory with an anticipated annual growth rate of 4.58% (CAGR 2023-2028), reflecting a robust and expanding market.

While Indonesia’s market holds its ground, a global comparison points to China’s dominance as it leads with a staggering revenue of US$623 million in the same year. On a per-person basis, Indonesia contributed US$0.32 to this market in 2023, signifying a measurable economic impact.

This financial landscape is not only driven by conventional products but also influenced by evolving consumer preferences.

Notably, there is a discernible surge in the demand for organic baby food products within Indonesia, propelled by a rising tide of health-consciousness among parents.

This trend aligns with the broader global shift toward organic and sustainable choices, shaping the landscape of the Baby & Child market in Indonesia and highlighting the changing preferences of the nation’s parents, as reported by statista.com.

As parental consciousness regarding health and hygiene continues to grow, the Indonesian market presents significant opportunities for imported baby products.

The period spanning 2014 to 2018 witnessed an impressive annual increase of 8% in the retail sales of baby and maternity products.

Fuelled by a rising purchasing power, the trajectory suggests a promising outlook for Indonesia’s baby and maternity market in the years to come.

Mom and Baby Care Now

As Indonesia experiences a steady increase in childbirth rates, the landscape of baby care products has transformed into a captivating arena for both well-established and emerging brands alike.

Within this dynamic market, baby lotion cream reigns supreme, accounting for a commanding 39.4% share, closely followed by baby soap and telon oil.

Leading the charge are globally recognized brands such as Zwitsal, Johnson & Johnson, Mitu, and Buds, all making significant strides in Indonesia’s domestic baby care sector.

Yet, it’s not just the international players shaping the market; local Indonesian brands like Bambi, Cussons Baby, Moell, and Gently have emerged as pivotal contributors, each offering their unique touch to meet the diverse needs of parents.

Adding to the vibrant mix, local favourites like My Baby Telon Oil Plus Eucalyptus Longer Protection, MS Glow Kids Daily Baby Cream, and Lactacyd Baby Gentle Care have garnered considerable attention and loyalty.

As one of the OEM manufacturers in Indonesia, PT. Etercon Pharma, plays a significant role by producing mom and baby care products under the brand name Pure Baby. These companies, alongside the global players, have earned recognition for their extensive experience in catering to mothers, providing a diverse range of baby care products tailored to various needs.

According to a survey conducted by JakPat (focusing on Indonesian consumers) on 12 September 2022, Cussons Baby has emerged as the favourite baby care brand, securing a remarkable 40.6% approval from 910 respondents.

Following closely is Zwitsal, chosen by 36.7% of respondents, trailed by My Baby and Johnson’s. This data emphasizes the strong brand loyalty and consumer trust that these established names, both global and local, command in the Indonesian market.

Mom and Baby Demand Now

The Baby & Child segment includes products designed for the young and for the protection of their skin. These incorporate baby lotion, baby oil, baby powder and sunscreen for babies and children. Excluded are skincare products for adults, e.g. sunscreen.

In Indonesia, an increasing number of mothers exhibit a willingness to overlook higher prices when purchasing baby care products for their children. They prioritize the well-being and comfort of their little ones over cost considerations, seeking high-quality products that meet the highest safety and health standards.

This phenomenon illustrates parents’ commitment to providing the best for their precious ones, regardless of the potentially higher costs associated with premium baby care items.

Such an attitude reflects shifting values and priorities among modern mothers who go for quality and innovation in caring for their children, contributing to the growth of the baby care product market in Indonesia.

Indonesian mothers are increasingly discerning when it comes to selecting baby care products, emphasizing a strong preference for natural, eco-friendly, and ethically sourced options.

The demand extends to products that undergo dermatological testing, ensuring safety for delicate infant skin. Additionally, the surge in awareness about environmental impact has led to a growing inclination towards vegan and cruelty-free products among Indonesian moms.

These conscientious choices align with a cultural ethos that values harmony with nature and a commitment to ethical practices.

Feeling inspired?

Then why not visit one of the in-cosmetics events around the world?

BROWSE SHOWS

Bringing together top-tier suppliers, creators, and thought leaders from around the world, the event marked a significant milestone attracting 11,772 unique visitors, an increase of 16% vs 2022.

Reflecting the industry’s eagerness to engage with the latest advancements and trends in the sector and make the most of what the show has to offer, repeat attendee numbers surged by a third (33%) year-on-year, reaching 17,615.

An international audience

Drawing a diverse and international audience, 40% of visitors hailed from outside Thailand – travelling from the wider Asia Pacific region and beyond – the highest in the Bangkok show’s history.

The exhibition welcomed multinational powerhouses and leading local brands such as Aesop, Amore Pacific, Beiersdorf, Boticario, Emami, Godrej, Himalaya Wellness, Kenvue, Meiyume, Unilever and Paragon to name but a few.

Against this backdrop, a record of 581 personal care ingredient exhibitors showcased their innovations at the event, a 40% rise on the previous year. Among these were industry giants and the world’s top 10 suppliers, BASF, Dow, Croda, Evonik, Solvay, Clariant, Ashland, Lubrizol, Momentive, and DSM-Firmenich underscoring the event’s standing as an essential platform for innovation in Asia Pacific.

A noteworthy 53% (310) of exhibitors stood out for their dedication to sustainability and contribution to the transformation of a greener industry.

Celebrating Asian excellence

Asian suppliers shone brightly at the show’s prestigious Awards, held on the afternoon of 8 November. Claiming 80% of the Spotlight On Formulation Awards, Soho Aneco Chemicals, Nippon Fine Chemical, and Ichimaru Pharcos were just some of the esteemed APAC companies who took home accolades, highlighting the region’s pivotal role in driving innovation and excellence.

Meanwhile, Immunight by Lucas Meyer Cosmetics earned Gold in the Innovation Zone Best Ingredient Award (Actives Category) and Gattefossé’s Emulium Dermolea MB was awarded Gold in the Innovation Zone Best Ingredient Award (Functional Category).

Educational sessions that resonate

Leading speakers and experts from the likes of Mintel, Euromonitor, and others delved into trends, regulations, and techniques offering attendees a comprehensive understanding of the evolving personal care landscape. Across a variety of Marketing Trends & Regulations sessions, Formulation Lab presentations, Technical Seminars, as well as Spotlight On Seminars, the following were particularly popular:

• ‘Unlocking Southeast Asia’s beauty product shopping trends: The rise of e-commerce‘ by Vishnu Vardhan, Research Manager, Euromonitor International.
• ‘Understanding Gen Z: Beauty’s shapeshifters’ by Sienna Piccioni, Head of Beauty, WGSN
• ‘Beauty and personal care trends 2024: South APAC – Unlocking the future of beauty’ by Kinshen Chan, Senior Beauty & Personal Care Analyst, Mintel
• ‘O/W waterproof mineral sunscreen with biodegradable emulsifier’ by Haruna Sawaguchi, Formulation Development Group, Nikko Chemicals
• ‘How to enhance your V-neckline beauty’ by Ivan Marcos, Sales Manager – APAC, LipoTrue
• ‘Biomimetics: Unveiling the future of bio-tech beauty’ by Carmen Gutierrez, Global Technical Specialist, IMCD Beauty & Personal Care, IMCD
• ‘Sustainable haircare collection’ by Pornpan Singhapantu, Associate Technical Service & Development Scientist, Dow Company

The Spotlight On showcase placed significant emphasis on sustainability and haircare, reflecting the industry’s growing commitment to eco-friendly practices. In addition to the display of ingredients aligning with these themes, an open theatre was introduced to give attendees the opportunity to enhance their understanding by combining the visual experience of exploring formulated ingredients with attending the informative seminars.

Notable sessions included ‘Instant crush: Natural silicone identical haircare active with 5 benefits’ from Simge Gürsoy, Technical Marketing & Sales Specialist, Normactive and a keynote on ‘Green chemistry method for haircare’ from Joonho Choi, Ph.D., Researcher & Pharmacist, Material Research Lab, AmorePacific R&D Unit.

Innovation Zone

The highly anticipated Innovation Zone once again served as the hub for new product development, showcasing 87 cutting-edge ingredients launched within the last eight months from the likes of Ashland, BASF, Dow, Galaxy Surfactants, Lubrizol amongst others. The renowned Zone provided a comprehensive overview of the industry’s latest advancements with a particular emphasis on skincare, suncare, haircare, and decoratives.

Sarah Gibson, Event Director of in-cosmetics Asia commented: “The event has once again proven itself to be the epicentre of creativity, collaboration, and inspiration within the APAC beauty and personal care ingredients sector. The record-breaking number of international visitors and exhibitors, and the outstanding performance by Asian suppliers, continue to cement the event’s standing as a focal point for beauty professionals. We’re proud to have created a platform that not only celebrates achievements but also propels the industry towards a more innovative and sustainable future.”

in-cosmetics Asia returns to the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) on 5-7 November 2024. For more information, please visit the website.

ENDS

About RX (Reed Exhibitions)  

RX is in the business of building businesses for individuals, communities and organisations. We elevate the power of face-to-face events by combining data and digital products to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions at approximately 400 events in 22 countries across 42 industry sectors. RX is passionate about making a positive impact on society and is fully committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people.  RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. www.rxglobal.com

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Feeling inspired to see ingredients and trends in action?

Then why not visit one of the in-cosmetics events around the world?

BROWSE SHOWS

Today, younger men across the region are exploring a new world of self-care comprising skincare, haircare, shaving care, and cosmetics as a result of social media, social movements, self-empowerment, and more.

Historically, the Asian male grooming market has been relatively small with personal care companies understandably focusing their efforts on the more lucrative female segment.

But as the industry has been forced to broaden its offering to suit today’s more modern male audience, the market value has rocketed; in 2022, the sector was estimated to be worth USD $36.93 billion and is now projected to reach USD $56.6 billion towards the end of this decade[1].

This year’s in-cosmetics Asia show in Bangkok, Thailand honed in on the transformation of manhood and masculinity via grooming and self-care.

One-size-fits-all

In the not-so-distant past, there was limited choice in male grooming products, from basic bar soaps to the trusty 3-in-1 wonder that promised to tackle face, hair, and body in one handy bottle, forcing many men to conform to a rigid and rather dull mold.

Today, as society more readily recognises diverse expressions of masculinity, men have access to a much wider product spectrum.

One pioneer in this space is Two Dudes, an award-winning natural skin and body care products supplier from New Zealand. The two founders struggled with the existing product offer for men, finding it “difficult, confusing, and embarrassing”, so they embarked on their own journey to provide natural care to thousands of men across the world.

Lavish routines

The influence of social media and the level of self-consciousness it has generated has no doubt played a role in highlighting skin and hair differences globally.

Amongst Asian consumers, these typically include naturally paler, more hydrated skin which can be more prone to hyperpigmentation, melasma, lentigines, and freckles.

According to Mintel, Asian male consumers are becoming increasingly more aware of their appearance and in this region, skin health can be regarded a symbol of overall health, higher social status and professionalism[2].

Further research from Mordor Intelligence attributes part of the market growth to the high density of young men in the urban clusters of the APAC region, who typically have greater disposable incomes, resulting in the adoption of habits that tackle any personal care concerns and allow access to additional self-care habits including pedicures, facials, aromatherapy, and more[3].

Remote working

While some say the pandemic ‘dampened’ the male grooming and skincare markets[4], others believe the inception of remote working made men in Japan more conscious about their appearance during video calls[5].

In response, Shiseido created an AR filter specifically for men including lip balm, eyebrow pencil, concealer, and BB cream to help men look “sharper” and “more put together” for their video meetings[6].

What was on show at in-cosmetics Asia

Honing in on the transformative changes in the APAC region’s grooming and cosmetics industry, this year’s in-cosmetics Asia event featured a host of exhibitors providing leading innovations to the male grooming market.

BIOGRÜNDL, S.L. showcased its natural facial hair growth retardant, BARBER RETARD, based on the combination of three plant extracts: Arnica montana (Arnica), Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort), and Lamium album (White nettle), which complements and enhances the inhibitory action on the division and growth of hair germ cells.

Lipotrue introduced its N_llscent which immediately gets rid of the isovaleric acid smell from feet and armpits. It also showcased its Neøclair Pro, an antioxidant amplifier via NRF2/ARES pathway that offers 360º pollution protection.

Lamberti SpA exhibited its ESAFLOR® PFT, a cationic bio-based derivative of guar gum, specifically developed for clear formulations, offering light conditioning properties, ideal for volumizing and conditioning shampoos while also improving hair brightness.

Sarah Gibson, Event Director for in-cosmetics Asia, commented: “As the industry acknowledges that the transformation of the male grooming and skincare market is not merely a trend, more a cultural revolution, suppliers should look to grasp the opportunity with both hands. Today’s society is far more accepting and encouraging of self-expression and diversity, so we expect the wider personal care market we know today will look very different in the years ahead. We look forward to supporting this change at this year’s show and in the years to come.”

To learn more about the companies who exhibited at the show, visit the website

(1) https://www.blueweaveconsulting.com/report/asia-pacific-mens-grooming-products-market

[2] Asian man-nerisms: New opportunities in male grooming | Mintel

[3] Asia Pacific Men’s Grooming Products Market Size & Share Analysis – Industry Research Report – Growth Trends (mordorintelligence.com)

[4] Male Grooming & Skincare in Asia | GMO Research (gmo-research.com)

[5] How Asia trends are evolving the game of men’s beauty | Croda Personal Care

[6] https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/news/shiseido-releases-ar-makeup-filter-for-men-to-use-during-zoom-meetings-032521

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BROWSE SHOWSThe post Reinventing masculinity: Men’s grooming in APAC first appeared on in-cosmetics Connect.]]> https://connect.in-cosmetics.com/rd/reinventing-masculinity-mens-grooming-in-apac/feed/ 0 20984 https://connect.in-cosmetics.com/news-region/asia/tradition-meets-innovation-japanese-beauty/ https://connect.in-cosmetics.com/news-region/asia/tradition-meets-innovation-japanese-beauty/#respond Fri, 27 Oct 2023 09:09:23 +0000 https://connect.in-cosmetics.com/?p=20922 Japan has long been revered for its approach to beauty, driven by the country’s rich history and culture. Considered to be one of the more sophisticated markets, the Japanese approach to beauty, J-Beauty, is characterised by meticulous attention to detail, a dedication to innovation, and a reverence for tradition. Routines such as Geisha beauty, onsen […]