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2025 in Review: Dollars in Dubai – Beauty Investment Defies Global Uncertainty
As growth slowed across parts of Europe, the US and China, and capital became more selective, all eyes once again turned to the Middle East—and Dubai in particular—as beauty’s most dynamic convergence point for investment, expansion and ambition. In 2025, the emirate cemented its position not just as a regional hub, but as a…
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2025 in Review: Jobs & People – Workforce Resets Gather Pace Amid Market Uncertainty
With growth slowing in key markets, costs rising and confidence uneven, 2025 became a defining year for people, power and priorities across the global beauty and retail industry. From boardrooms to shop floors, companies restructured, recalibrated and, in many cases, reduced headcount—while selectively investing in talent deemed critical to future growth. In the US…
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2025 in Review: Tech & Digital – AI Reshapes Beauty Amid Rising Risk and Regulation
If 2025 marked a turning point for beauty, it was not defined by experimentation—but by execution. Artificial intelligence, immersive commerce and automation moved decisively from pilot projects to core infrastructure, reshaping how brands innovate, market, sell and operate. At the same time, rising regulatory scrutiny and cybersecurity risks underscored the growing costs and complexities…
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2025 in Review: See You in Court – Litigation Intensifies Amid Heightened Scrutiny
If 2025 showed where pressure is building fastest in beauty and personal care, it was not only in regulation or trade—but in the courtroom. Across jurisdictions, litigation surged as regulators, competitors, consumers and investors increasingly turned to legal action to resolve disputes over data, safety, marketing claims and market power. For the industry, the…
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AnyMind Group enters offline beauty retail with Sun Smile acquisition
THE WHAT? AnyMind Group has agreed to acquire Japan-based beauty and personal care distributor and brand owner Sun Smile, marking its entry into offline retail. THE DETAILS Founded in 1997, Sun Smile operates across brand development, manufacturing and nationwide retail distribution. The acquisition is AnyMind Group’s 13th overall and seventh in Japan, adding physical…
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CVC Moves to Sell FineToday After Shelved IPO
THE WHAT? CVC Capital Partners is exploring a sale of Japanese personal care company FineToday after postponing its planned Tokyo IPO. THE DETAILS FineToday delayed its listing in October after targeting a valuation of around ¥169 billion (US$1.08 billion), below earlier expectations. Sources say CVC is now seeking a valuation of over US$2 billion,…
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Yves Rocher Partners with Nykaa for India Entry
THE WHAT? Yves Rocher has partnered with Nykaa to launch in India, entering one of the fastest-growing global beauty markets. THE DETAILS The brand will debut in June 2026 across Nykaa’s app, website and selected stores, introducing nearly 100 skincare and haircare products. The launch will focus on Yves Rocher’s dermo botanical positioning, with…
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Amorepacific Launches Second Voluntary Retirement Programme Since Founding
THE WHAT? Amorepacific Group has introduced a voluntary retirement programme, marking only the second time such a measure has been implemented since the company’s founding. THE DETAILS Announced internally on 5 December, the programme is positioned as a response to shifting domestic and global business conditions. It follows a previous voluntary retirement initiative launched…
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Shiseido Develops Humidity-Responsive Water-Based Sunscreen Technology
THE WHAT? Shiseido has developed a new water-based sunscreen technology that maintains high UV protection and water resistance while adapting to changes in environmental humidity. THE DETAILS The oil-in-water technology uses soap-derived ingredients that react with metal ions in sweat and seawater to form a durable, water-repellent film on the skin. This enables long-lasting…
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Beiersdorf Brings Eucerin to Japan With Market-Specific Anti-Aging Line
THE WHAT? Beiersdorf has launched its dermatological skin care brand Eucerin in Japan, marking the brand’s entry into the world’s third-largest cosmetics market THE DETAILS The rollout is led by the Eucerin HARI FILLER anti-aging range, developed specifically for Japanese consumers by NIVEA-Kao. The premium line is positioned at the intersection of dermatological efficacy…