In recent years, the global cosmetics ingredient industry has undergone profound transformation, with technological innovation and sustainable development becoming core drivers. The following analyzes industry trends from five perspectives:

1. AI Deeply Empowers R&D, Ushering in an Era of Precision

Artificial intelligence technology is reshaping the ingredient R&D process. Beiersdorf used AI algorithms to screen 50,000 chemical ingredients for the highly effective whitening ingredient Thiamidol 630, which significantly outperforms traditional ingredients in inhibiting tyrosinase activity. Lubrizol has built a comprehensive AI platform, spanning market insights to product evaluation, that tracks the dynamics of popular ingredients in real time and quantifies their performance. This intelligent trend significantly shortens R&D cycles and reduces trial-and-error costs. It is expected that in the next three to five years, more companies will use AI to optimize the entire process, from molecule design to finished product.

2.Explosive Growth of Natural and Botanical Ingredients

Consumers' pursuit of "clean beauty" is driving botanical ingredients into mainstream use. By 2024, the number of registered botanical ingredients in China reached 38, surpassing chemical ingredients for the first time and accounting for 42% of all new ingredients. Yunnan Beitani Group, focusing on highland plants, has developed specialty extracts such as thorn fruit and Panax notoginseng. The utilization rate of Panax notoginseng root fibers has increased by 30%, resulting in an annual output value of over 100 million yuan for related products. International brands such as Gattefosse are utilizing the "Upcycle" concept to convert sea buckthorn leaf waste into oil- and water-soluble ingredients, achieving resource recycling.

3.Biotechnology Leads the Raw Materials Revolution

Synthetic biology and peptide ingredients have become a focus of innovation. Huaheng Bio uses glucose fermentation to produce 1,3-propanediol, which has been certified as biobased by COSMOS and is widely used in facial masks and serums. HauteVitalin® Platform, a mitochondrial skincare technology developed by Huibai Research Institute, targets cellular energy metabolism pathways, resulting in the launch of anti-aging ingredients , which won the INPD International Innovation Award. By 2024, eight peptide raw materials had been registered, and proprietary ingredients such as Cyclohexapeptide-9 are driving the advancement of effective skincare.

4. Sustainability and ESG Become Competitive Barriers

Environmental regulations and consumer demand are forcing industry transformation. BYK Chemicals uses a carbon footprint tracking system to provide customers with carbon emission data for its green ingredients, enhancing supply chain transparency. L'Oréal Group has increased its investment in synthetic biology for the ninth time, aiming to achieve 100% sourcing of bio-based or recycled raw materials by 2030. Regarding packaging innovation, Estée Lauder's Pomegranate collection uses PCR-based environmentally friendly materials, reducing plastic use by 40%.

5. Personalization and Regulatory Upgrades Go Hand in Hand

AI and big data technologies are driving the "one prescription, one prescription" model. Yusong Biotechnology's high-throughput screening platform, combined with machine learning, can customize ingredient combinations based on consumers' skin profiles. Regarding regulations, China's new ingredient filings increased by 30.4% year-on-year in 2024, necessitating increased compliance efforts. Yunnan Beitanni, for example, has met over 200 technical standards to ensure ingredient safety. Updates to the EU REACH regulation require companies to provide full lifecycle environmental impact assessments, driving the industry's transition to green manufacturing.

The cosmetics raw materials industry is transitioning from a "function-driven" to a "value-driven" one. The deep integration of AI and biotechnology will accelerate the implementation of new ingredients. A "dual-drive" model of botanical ingredients and synthetic biology will dominate the market, while ESG practices and personalized service capabilities will become key to competitive differentiation. With the improvement of regulations such as China's "Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Cosmetics," companies with strong R&D capabilities and compliance awareness will occupy a more prominent position in the global supply chain.