Functional Skincare Gains Traction Amidst Climate Challenges

As intensifying global warming leads to recurring heavy rainfall and heatwaves, the importance of summer skincare has become increasingly critical. This shift is prompting a transformation in skincare trends, moving away from a primary focus on whitening to prioritizing skin barrier reinforcement, soothing, hydration, and recovery. Consumers are now exhibiting a preference for ingredient-centric purchasing, scrutinizing product components and their efficacy over brand loyalty.

Industry experts highlight CICA, PDRN, and hyaluronic acid as key functional ingredients for summer skincare. CICA is recognized for its soothing properties, particularly for skin aggravated by UV exposure; PDRN is noted for its elasticity-enhancing benefits; and hyaluronic acid is celebrated for its moisturizing and hydrating capabilities. This growing consumer demand for functional skincare creates significant opportunities for brands positioned around these ingredients.

Notable products include the 'Balance Full CICA Soothing Toner Pad' which combines five types of CICA, the 'UV Protection Sunscreen' incorporating alanine peptides, and the 'Gluta PDRN Sunscreen' featuring PDRN, glutathione, and ceramides. The increasing interest in these functional skincare products signals a strategic pivot in product development in response to seasonal skin challenges.

The beauty ODM sector is actively ramping up its capabilities in securing functional ingredients and raw materials. Imieen, for instance, is developing sun care and functional skincare products based on a segmented skincare portfolio reflecting seasonal and market trends, thereby enhancing its global competitiveness in ODM.

Currently, Imieen operates five specialized research teams, holding 24 patents and over 5,000 proprietary formulations. The company’s research efforts span from CICA, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to hydrogel, sheet masks, and sun care technologies, facilitating customized product development for clients.

In addition to this, Imieen is making proactive strides in strengthening its raw material competitiveness. Collaborations with smart farm company Planty Farm, and bio-material firm Biosplash aim to develop CICA raw materials and establish an ODM supply system. Moreover, partnerships with Japanese material firms and Selbio Human Tech are facilitating the co-development of biodegradable functional sheets and natural cellulose-based masks, enhancing the company's eco-friendly product competitiveness.

According to an Imieen representative, “The significance of functional raw materials and differentiated formulation technology is growing.” They further emphasized an intention to leverage integrated R&D capabilities that encompass functional ingredient research, raw material acquisition, and formulation development to provide customized ODM solutions and bolster global competitiveness.