Across the CD-verse: October Roundup

Welcome to Across the CD-verse, a monthly column offering a global roundup of noteworthy developments in the cosmetics and personal care industry, drawn from CosmeticsDesign Asia, CosmeticsDesign Europe, and CosmeticsDesign US. This column provides an overview of key trends, technological advances, and regulatory updates that are shaping the market and influencing consumer demands.

This month, CosmeticsDesign Asia explores breakthroughs in skin care technology, including RNA-based patches and improvements in bionic film tech, alongside new data on consumer preferences across K-Beauty's global markets. In CosmeticsDesign Europe, major trends are taking shape with fresh insights from Mintel, a spotlight on celebrity-driven campaigns, and innovations in sustainable sun care. Meanwhile, the CosmeticsDesign US team covers regulatory updates, including the FTC's stance on fake reviews, and P&G's latest patent in clean beauty.

From fresh formulations to sustainability milestones, we’re here to keep you informed on everything transforming beauty across continents. Dive into the articles below for a global view of the industry’s future and beyond.

CosmeticsDesign APAC 

Anti-scar RNA patch maker says it can expand technology to tackle eczema, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles​

RNAscence Biotechnology says its RNA patch technology can broaden its impact beyond scar treatment to tackle a variety of skin issues from eczema to hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.

Perfect Diary improves bionic film tech and expands to skin care, new lipstick​

C-beauty major Perfect Diary has launched the second-generation version of bionic film technology and applied it to a new skin care range and lipstick.

Different strokes: Olive Young sales data reveals UK, US, Japan consumer K-beauty preferences​

Olive Young's sales data highlights purchase preferences, with US consumers favoring sun care, UK buyers focusing on skin texture concerns, and Japanese shoppers choosing personal care products and supplements.

CosmeticsDesign Europe 

A-list ambassador revival: new celebs fronting beauty campaigns​

These days we’ve gotten more used to seeing celebrities pedaling their own cosmetics businesses. However, these six beauty brands have gone old-school and started the autumn season with a global superstar on their ad billboards and Instagram pages. 

Skin care & technology special: part I​

In the first part of our two-part series focusing on how technology is shaping the future of skin care, we explore the use of artificial intelligence and how this is impacting the category.

Mintel global beauty trends for 2025 (& what happens after that)​

The market intelligence company shared three trends it expects to see impact the global beauty and personal care (BPC) industry in 2025 and beyond.

Behind the bacterium innovation "for more sustainable sun protection"​

Italian microbiome startup Bacfarm just won Shiseido’s annual startup competition with an innovation that can be used in both topical and nutraceutical sun care products. We spoke to the co-founder to learn more about how it could disrupt the category.

Cosmetics formulation trends​

This year’s Luxe Pack show in Monaco had a section dedicated to trending cosmetics formulations and textures, which was curated by the sought-after formulations expert Dr. Luisa Oliva. We explored the formulations bar and spoke with Dr. Oliva to learn more. 

CosmeticsDesign US

Riding the 'second wave' of K-Beauty in the US market​

With K-Beauty's expansion into new categories and a projected market value of $9.9 billion in North America by 2032, US manufacturers and retailers are positioned to benefit by embracing the 'Second Wave of K-Beauty.

P&G files patent for cleansing balm with natural wax structurants​

Procter & Gamble (P&G) has filed a patent for a new oil-based cleansing balm featuring natural waxes as structurants, addressing consumer demand for products that "gently cleanse the skin leaving it feeling hydrated and silky smooth," while also maintaining product stability.

FTC's new rule on fake reviews: Implications for cosmetics and personal care industry​

The FTC's new rule on deceptive reviews 'builds on existing truth-in-advertising principles' and will require cosmetics brands to ensure that all reviews and testimonials are 'genuine and reflect real consumer experiences' to avoid significant penalties, explained Katherine Armstrong, Deputy Director of the National Advertising Division.

dsm-firmenich’s PARSOL Shield marks major milestone with FDA submission for OTC sunscreen monograph​

In an interview with CosmeticsDesign, Carl D'Ruiz, Senior Regulatory & Business Development Manager at dsm-firmenich explained that the FDA review of PARSOL Shield could transform the US sunscreen market by meeting the need for a more photostable UVA and UVB filter, offering manufacturers the first new sunscreen active ingredient since 1999.