NEWS

NATIONAL

kdc/one and Clarion Group announce a joint venture

Knowlton Development Corporation Inc provides custom formulation, packing design and manufacturing solutions and caters to several leading beauty, personal care as well as home care brands. The Clarion Group is a premier contract manufacturer of beauty and personal products and decorative tin packaging. The two companies are now coming together in a strategic joint venture in the Indian market.

The agreement was signed by Sandra Wisniewski, Global President Beauty & Personal Care, kdc/one, and K N Lakshmanan, Chairman, The Clarion Group, in Chennai, India. This agreement will establish kdc/one Clarion Beauty Pvt Ltd, which will offer support to the growing Indian beauty and personal care industry. The partnership will offer brand owners best-in-class and cost-effective solutions in packaging, manufacturing, and formulations that enhance customer experience.

The partnership benefits from local knowledge of the Indian market and global industry credentials. It also includes advanced R&D, innovation, injection moulding and metallisation expertise. Within the next 12 months, the partnership will establish a new manufacturing facility in Gujarat, India. This facility will produce injectionmoulded and metallised beauty packaging.

L’Oréal Paris makes history with a Guinness World Record

Over 500 women in Mumbai came together for an electrifying event, symbolising confidence, freedom, and hair health, while celebrating the launch of the revolutionary L’Oréal Paris Hyaluron Pure Shampoo and Conditioner Range. The event led to a Guinness World Record for the brand for Most People Untying Their Hair Simultaneously.

As part of the ‘Free Your Hair’ campaign, this recordbreaking moment wasn’t just about numbers—it was about empowerment. It addressed a common hair concern that millions face: oily scalps and dry ends. L’Oréal Paris invited women aged 18-45 to share what ‘hair freedom’ means to them while experiencing the game-changing Hyaluron Pure formula. Infused with salicylic acid to purify and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, this advanced range delivers 72 hours of weightless hydration, leaving hair fresh, bouncy and nourished.

More than just an event, this milestone reinforces L’Oréal Paris’ commitment to cutting-edge hair care solutions. The synchronised act of untying hair became a powerful symbol of liberation, encouraging women to prioritise hair health without compromise.

Kreate with Kay Beauty strives to help beauty professionals

Kay Beauty partnered with Daniel Bauer Hair & Makeup Academy and Salaam Bombay Foundation to initiate Kreate with Kay Beauty. This initiative aims to bridge the gap for those with talent and passion but limited access to professional training.

After a rigorous selection process, the brand chose five candidates based on their skills and financial circumstances. For six months, candidates got hands-on training in advanced makeup techniques. They also learned industry best practices and portfolio building at the Daniel Bauer Academy. Beyond technical skills, the programme also gave them insights into working on film and fashion sets and how to leverage social media to boost their careers.

Speaking about the initiative, Katrina Kaif stated, “We wanted to create a platform where talent is nurtured and opportunities are accessible to all. Seeing these artists refine their craft and step into their potential has been truly inspiring.”

Kreate with Kay Beauty is the latest addition to #Kare, the brand’s social impact initiative. It has previously supported rural employment and pandemic relief.

Shield your skin with Dermalogica and Looks Salon

Dermalogica has joined forces with Looks Salon to launch the exclusive PROSkin 60 – Urban Pollution Shield treatment across all Looks Salon branches in Mumbai. The relentless pollution, exacerbated by traffic emissions, construction dust, and vanishing green spaces, has led to a 30 per cent surge in Particulate Matter (PM). This toxic cloud not only harms respiratory health but wreaks havoc on the skin, causing dark spots, dryness, irritation, dullness and premature ageing. To combat these effects, Dermalogica and Looks Salon have come together to launch PROskin 60.

This 60-minute advanced skincare treatment aims to detoxify, purify and fortify your skin against environmental damage. It deeply cleanses, unclogs pores and eliminates toxins from the skin. It also addresses pollutioninduced concerns like redness, congestion and fine lines. The result is glowing, resilient and hydrated skin that looks and feels fresh.

Shoppers Stop 2.0 is the new era of premium shopping

With the relaunch of the flagship store at Inorbit Mall, Shoppers Stop has grand plans for its future. It aims to offer a premium, elevated, and indulgent experience to every shopper who steps through the doors of this store. As the store houses over 500 premium beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands, shoppers can experience an exquisite collection here.

Kavindra Mishra, Customer Care Associate and MD & CEO, Shoppers Stop, expresses his thoughts about the relaunch. He says, “Shoppers Stop 2.0 is redefining premium retail with an immersive shopping experience at Inorbit Mall, Malad. Our reimagined store features AI-assisted shopping for seamless discovery, a grand and exclusive Personal Shopper Lounge offering unmatched comfort and personalised styling, and a curated selection of global brands like Armani, Prada, Valentino, NARS, True Religion, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Guess. With engaging spaces like a dedicated kids’ play area and a vibrant gaming arcade, we are setting the tone for a new retail experience—not just for Shoppers Stop, but for Indian retail as a whole.”

To celebrate the relaunch of the flagship store, Shoppers Stop also organised a Beauty Carnival from February 27 to March 1. The carnival brought together several activations, brand interactions, and The Spring 2025 Fashion Walk. The walk was curated by Marc Robinson and celebrity stylists, Edward Lalrempuia and Sheefa Gilani.

Bodycraft set for a national expansion with 10 new stores

Bodycraft is looking forward to expanding its footprint by opening up 10 new stores in 2025. The outlets will be present across key areas of South and North India. The brand will begin with Mysore in the first quarter, followed by Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Vellore in the second quarter. Up north, it is looking at Lucknow, Kanpur, Dwarka and Noida

As of today, Bodycraft boasts 25 locations. These outlets range from 2000 to 3000 sq ft. Out of these 25, 18 are under the company-owned, company-operated (COCO) model. On the other hand, the remaining seven are franchise-owned, franchise-operated (FOFO) models.

Furthermore, Bodycraft is also expected to close FY25 with a revenue of approximately Rs 135 crore, rising from Rs 98 crore in FY24. Sahil Gupta, CEO, Bodycraft, said that the chain has seen substantial growth in the past year. The chain has seen a 42 per cent increase in revenue over the last year and is witnessing 30 per cent year-on-year growth. With this, the chain is looking at a growth rate of 60 per cent within the next two years.

INTERNATIONAL

Florian Hurel expands to two new locations

Known for his exceptional artistry and transformative hairstyling, Florian Hurel is extending his expertise to both national and international clients with two new salons in Ahmedabad and Dubai. This expansion comes hot on the heels of the massive success of fHair by Florian Hurel. The premium haircare brand has quickly gained recognition for its high-performance, luxury formulations.

The Florian Hurel Hair Couture & Spa outlets in Dubai and Ahmedabad will offer a world-class experience. It will mirror the elite hairstyling services that have made him a favourite among celebrities. The clients can expect precision haircuts, bespoke colouring, advanced treatments, and personalised consultations—all crafted to bring out the best in every client.

With this expansion, Florian Hurel cements his reputation as a pioneer in the beauty industry. He’s setting new benchmarks in hairstyling, innovation and luxury. Whether through his salons or his sought-after haircare range, he continues to push the boundaries of excellence.

Charlotte Tilbury announces Cai Xukun as its new Makeup Brand Ambassador

Charlotte Tilbury has announced Cai Xukun, the Chinese singer also known as KUN, as its new Global Makeup Brand Ambassador. The first campaign under this collaboration will be centred around the brand’s award-winning Airbrush Flawless Finish powder. This micro powder offers an airbrush effect and leaves the skin looking flawless and pore-less. The powder is a part of the brand’s Airbrush Flawless franchise. The product is ready to gain a whole new edge with Cai Xukun’s unique avant-garde attitude as an internationallyloved musician and fashion visionary.

Cai Xukun is redefining the global music and fashion scene as a leading force in C-POP. With record-breaking hits and a Billboard Global No 1s recognition, he’s a star who commands attention. Now, as Charlotte Tilbury’s Global Makeup Brand Ambassador, he brings his signature confidence to the world of beauty, inspiring everyone to embrace their most beautiful, empowered selves.

Louis Vuitton enters beauty with La Beauté, led by Pat McGrath

Louis Vuitton is making waves in the beauty world with the launch of La Beauté Louis Vuitton, a luxurious extension of its legacy. Set to debut in Autumn 2025, this venture will be led by Dame Pat McGrath as the Creative Director.

Pat McGrath has been shaping the beauty industry for decades. From backstage at the most prestigious runway shows — including Louis Vuitton’s own — to her iconic Pat McGrath Labs, she has been a renowned name in the cosmetics industry since 2015. Her artistry has earned her numerous accolades, including a historic Damehood in 2021, making her the first makeup artist to receive this honour.

While La Beauté Louis Vuitton marks an exciting new chapter, beauty was a part of the House’s legacy for nearly a century. Known for crafting travel essentials, Louis Vuitton has long catered to beauty lovers with custom vanity cases, perfume holders and cosmetics accessories. In the 1920s, the brand even designed powder compacts, brushes, and mirrors, subtly making its mark in luxury beauty.

Chanel unveils a new e-logo – a shield against counterfeits

Chanel takes a bold step in the fight against counterfeit beauty products as it unveils a new e-logo. The logo is designed to help consumers easily identify authorised online retailers for its fragrance and beauty lines. This sleek, round black emblem features the iconic Chanel name alongside ‘authorised retailer’ in crisp white text. It’s already rolling out across major e-commerce platforms like La Rinascente, Sephora, and Marionnaud. Chanel’s new e-logo ensures that shoppers can confidently purchase authentic Chanel products that meet the brand’s rigorous quality standards. Counterfeit cosmetics are a booming black market, with fraudulent sales costing the industry a staggering US$ 5.4 billion annually. Fake beauty products are not just an economic threat—they pose serious health risks, as they often contain harmful ingredients. Moreover, as they do not have any quality controls in place, they are often of poor quality and bring disgrace to the brand’s quality and repute. Social media has only fuelled the problem, making it easier for ‘dupes’ to blur the line between imitation and deception.

The initiative is just in its initial phase, with plans to expand to key global markets. To reinforce its legal standing, Chanel has also filed trademark applications in multiple countries, including the US, France, Germany, Singapore and Indonesia.

OLAPLEX introduces a new scalp product and a whole new branding

OLAPLEX Holdings Inc is embarking on an exciting new chapter rooted in scientific innovation and professional transformation. As part of this transformation, OLAPLEX is unveiling a refreshed visual identity that reflects the synergy between science and style. The brand’s digital presence will take on a new look, emphasising its heritage of innovation, bold approach to haircare and deep connection with professional stylists.

Amanda Baldwin, CEO, OLAPLEX, says, “This new chapter is about living up to the extraordinary innovation that has always defined us. Our products will repair and transform in the most extraordinary of circumstances but it’s their daily power to build foundational hair health and deliver lasting results that makes them truly breakthrough and empowers stylists and customers with the confidence that comes from truly healthy hair.”

Marking this next phase, OLAPLEX introduces No 0.5 Scalp Longevity Treatment — a serum designed to enhance long-term scalp and hair health. This innovation, when used alongside the bestselling No 3 Hair Perfector, exemplifies OLAPLEX’s commitment to science-backed, results-driven haircare.

Huda Beauty sells Kayali at a ‘pivotal’ moment

Huda Beauty sells Kayali at a pivotal moment. Moving forward, Mona Kattan will run Kayali as an independent company in partnership with General Atlantic, a leading global growth equity firm.

This marks a major milestone for Kayali, which has grown into a globally recognised Middle Eastern fragrance brand, known for its gourmand scents, innovative marketing, and social media-driven success. With General Atlantic’s investment, Kayali is set to accelerate its growth while staying true to its authenticity, creativity and strong community connections.

Mona Kattan will retain her role as CEO, leading the brand into its next chapter of expansion and transformation. Meanwhile, Huda Beauty will fully redeem the TSG Consumer ownership stake it held since 2017, making Huda Beauty 100 per cent founder-owned once again—a rare achievement in the beauty industry.

This strategic move reflects Huda Beauty’s commitment to growth on its own terms, ensuring both brands continue evolving and thriving in their respective spaces.

CIPI

Functional cosmetic ingredient market to touch US$6.5 billion

The functional cosmetic ingredient market is on a steady growth trajectory, projected to reach US$ 3.7 billion by 2025 and expand at a 5.8 per cent CAGR to US$ 6.5 billion by 2035.

Functional cosmetic ingredients offer benefits such as anti-ageing, UV protection, skin brightening, hydration and soothing effects. The rising demand for high-performance makeup and skincare products serves as a key driver of industry growth. As consumer trends rapidly evolve, the market remains highly dynamic. Today’s consumers are increasingly proactive in seeking out specific ingredients that deliver targeted benefits like hydration, anti-ageing and sun protection.

However, the industry faces challenges, particularly in raw material availability. Many active ingredients, including peptides, probiotics and botanical extracts, depend on agricultural and biotechnological processes, making them vulnerable to climate change, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical issues. Ensuring ingredient quality through supplier vetting, third-party testing, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is crucial for maintaining consumer trust and product efficacy. The future of functional cosmetics lies in balancing innovation with sustainability and reliability.

Upcycled cosmetic ingredients poised for substantial growth

The global upcycled cosmetic ingredients market is projected to reach US$ 251.8 million in 2025 and grow at a 6.7 per cent CAGR to US$ 483.4 million by 2035. This market includes oils, extracts, powders and active ingredients, with oils leading due to their versatility and rich nutrient profile. The increasing focus on sustainability, waste reduction and circular economy practices is driving brands to innovate with upcycled ingredients.

The market is expanding rapidly as consumer demand for eco-friendly and sustainable beauty products rises. Upcycled ingredients repurpose waste from industries like food and agriculture, reducing environmental impact while offering potent skincare and haircare benefits. The clean beauty movement and ethical sourcing trends further fuel this growth.

However, awareness remains a challenge. Many consumers are still unfamiliar with upcycled ingredients and their benefits, limiting demand, especially in regions with lower environmental consciousness. Additionally, maintaining consistent quality and supply is difficult due to the diverse sources of upcycled materials. Smaller suppliers often struggle to scale production to meet industry demands. Despite these challenges, the market is poised for steady growth as sustainability becomes a priority in the beauty industry.

Paraben-free skincare witnesses rising demand

The paraben-free skin care market is witnessing steady growth, with its value projected to reach US$ 10,684.90 million in 2024 and expand to US$ 22,021.90 million by 2034, reflecting a 7.5 per cent CAGR. This surge is primarily driven by increasing awareness of the harmful effects of chemicals on the skin. Consumers are actively seeking clean beauty products that prioritise natural and eco-friendly ingredients.

Manufacturers in this market are focusing on expanding their customer base, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, where demand for chemical-free skincare is rising. New entrants are reinforcing environmental consciousness by offering organic alternatives to synthetic cosmetics. This shift has led to an expanding range of paraben-free products, including face washes, serums and facials. As consumer preference for natural formulations grows, brands are responding with wider organic product portfolios, emphasising sustainability and skin health.