Cosmetics and personal care product industry stakeholders have rolled into the new year with dramatic momentum: from Patrick Ta’s push into Middle Eastern markets to Biersdorf’s reformulation of its flagship product, here is CosmeticsDesign Global’s monthly roundup of headlines that matter.
CosmeticsDesign APAC
Mini size, big spending: Gen Z expected to lead luxury beauty – Olive Young
Based on the 2026 Olive Young Trend Keyword report, the spending of Gen Z (born between 1996 and 2010) is increasing twice as fast as previous generations of the same age, with this group forecasted to account for 25% of luxury spending by 2030.
Although seven out of 10 Gen Z save up in their daily lives, they reportedly have a tendency to spend boldly, particularly in premium categories, if they think it is worth it and where their priorities lie — for example, luxury clothing (34%) and beauty (29%).
Patrick Ta Beauty enters Middle East via Sephora to satisfy ‘remarkable demand’
According to Kimberly Villatoro, CEO of Patrick Ta Beauty, expanding into the Middle East reflects how strongly this region has embraced the brand codes — elevated artistry, innovative formulas, and luxurious presentation.
“We’ve seen remarkable organic demand from the Middle East for years, and this launch allows us to finally meet that enthusiasm with a full retail experience.
“Sephora Middle East is the perfect partner for this next step for the brand and we’re excited to bring our hero categories, our storytelling, and Patrick’s unique approach to artistry to an incredibly engaged beauty community,” she added.
Kao’s new tech harnesses natural function of sweat to reduce discomfort
Called sweat transpiration technology, it utilizes the natural function of sweat, which is to cool the body by removing heat as it evaporates from the skin surface, to keep the skin comfortable in hot environments.
“As the impacts of global warming on health and daily life become an increasing social concern, many people around the world experience discomfort caused by sweating in their everyday lives, such as stickiness and body odor.
“At the same time, sweating plays an essential role in thermoregulation by cooling the body as moisture evaporates from the skin. For this reason, rather than simply aiming to suppress sweat secretion, Kao has been conducting fundamental research into the nature of sweating itself, with the goal of maintaining skin comfort while preserving sweat’s original physiological function,” the company told CosmeticsDesign-Asia.
CosmeticsDesign EMEA
MANE expands receptor-based research with ChemoSensoryx acquisition
French flavors and fragrances company MANE has acquired the Belgian biotech company ChemoSensoryx Biosciences, which specializes in the molecular mechanisms of chemosensory perception induced by olfactory, gustatory and trigeminal receptors.
The firm said the acquisition will deepen its scientific understanding of how odors, tastes and sensations such as freshness or spiciness are perceived. By combining MANE’s expertise with ChemoSensoryx’s advanced research, MANE will be able to create more innovative and precise flavor and fragrance solutions, enhancing its ability to deliver unique sensory experiences that consumers love.
Why Beiersdorf has reformulated its bestselling NIVEA Crème
Beiersdorf’s General Manager for Germany and Switzerland, Christian Haensch, said the company’s goal was to create a more sustainable version of its iconic NIVEA Crème, which he noted many customers have “an emotional connection with.”
“NIVEA Creme Natural Touch is more than just a line extension; it reflects our commitment to innovation and responsibility as part of our Net Zero 2045 roadmap, showing how tradition and innovation can go hand in hand,” he said.
Are cosmetics firms being unfairly targeted by the EU’s micropollutant rules?
In December 2025, the European Commission presented its Environmental Omnibus package, which was designed to simplify EU environmental legislation.
While there have been numerous criticisms of the package, the cosmetics industry, alongside the pharmaceutical industry, has been deeply concerned about the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD).
Both industries argue that the directive disproportionately targets cosmetics and pharma companies and fails to consider other contributors to micropollutants in water. It appears that other industries will not be paying their fair share, while cosmetics and pharmaceuticals will be left to shoulder the costs.
CosmeticsDesign Americas
FDA cites ‘significant’ PFAS safety data gaps in report
premarket approval, aside from color additives, and that “PFAS that are intentionally added to cosmetic products as an ingredient are not currently prohibited and do not, based on presence alone, render the cosmetic product adulterated or misbranded.”
At the same time, the report pointed to increasing state-level action, with 11 states having passed legislation to ban intentionally added PFAS in cosmetics between 2025 and 2028.
“Our assessment underscores significant data gaps for PFAS used in cosmetic products,” the FDA wrote. “The FDA will continue to monitor emerging data on PFAS to ensure the continued safety of cosmetic products.”
Q&A: How Braille Nails is tackling a blind spot in beauty inclusivity
When accessibility shows up in unexpected places, it can change the conversation entirely. That’s the thinking behind Braille Nails, a national initiative that brings braille into nail salons through a partnership between the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and THE TEN SPOT beauty bars.
In this Q&A, Angela Bonfanti, CEO of CNIB, shares why the beauty services sector proved such a powerful platform, what Braille Nails signals for product and packaging design, and how industry stakeholders can play a more active role in advancing braille literacy and accessible experiences at scale.
US beauty-tech firm LUUM introduces next-generation AI lash robot
The new system can apply lash extensions to both eyes simultaneously, with a goal to reduce a full-set appointment to approximately 33 minutes in the near future, according to the company’s press statement.
Lawson told CosmeticsDesign that the shift to simultaneous application was enabled by years of operational data gathered after early prototypes.
“The biggest advancement in our next-gen robot is its ability to apply lashes to both eyes at the same time, dramatically reducing overall service time,” Lawson said. “Our next-gen robot benefits from years of real-world data and thousands of live client sessions.”
