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    Opinion: China’s untapped beauty sectors poised for explosive growth

    Gabby Chen, President of Global Expansion at Chinese beauty giant Florasis, tells Jing Daily where she sees vast opportunity amid a saturated beauty market.
    Image: Florasis
    Gabby YJ ChenAuthor
      Published   in Beauty

    Looking at the vast and dynamic Chinese beauty market, it’s clear that while many categories are thriving, there are still areas ripe with potential waiting to be tapped into. Perfume and hair care are the segments where I see the most promising opportunities for growth and innovation.

    Unlike the saturated skincare and makeup sectors, perfume and hair care in China stand out for their relatively uncharted territory.

    The comparison with France is particularly enlightening. France, with its rich heritage of perfume creation and its advanced hair care market, serves as a beacon of what could be achieved in China. The disparity in brand diversity between these two markets highlights a significant gap in China, which is an opportunity for brands willing to pioneer these segments.

    We at Florasis plan to launch our own perfume line. This decision is not just about expanding our product offerings; it’s a strategic move to tap into a segment where demand exists but is not fully met.

    By introducing high-quality, distinctive perfumes that resonate with the preferences and aspirations of Chinese consumers, we aim to capture the imagination of a market eager for new beauty product experiences and sophistication.

    Image: Gabby Chen, President of Global Expansion at Florasis
    Image: Gabby Chen, President of Global Expansion at Florasis

    The choice to focus on perfume and hair care is backed by a deep understanding of market trends and consumer desires. It reflects a commitment to not only fill a gap in the market but also to enrich the lives of consumers by bringing them products that complement their beauty routines in meaningful ways. We’re not just launching products; we’re inviting consumers to explore new dimensions of beauty and personal care, setting new trends, and elevating the industry standard in China.

    In recent years, China has witnessed a significant cultural shift towards a more holistic approach to wellness, emphasizing the harmony of mind, body, and soul. This shift is not just about looking good on the outside, but feeling good on the inside. I’ve seen firsthand how this transformation has influenced consumer behavior and product innovation.

    The wellness movement in China is gaining momentum, with exercise becoming a major component of daily life for many. From traditional practices like tai chi and qigong to more contemporary forms of fitness such as yoga, pilates, and HIIT, Chinese people are embracing physical activity not just for physical health but for mental and emotional well-being too. This holistic view of health, where physical exercise is seen as a way to balance and harmonize the mind, body, and soul, marks a significant cultural shift.

    Parallel to the growing emphasis on physical exercise, there’s a surge in interest in wellness supplements. These products are seen as a natural extension of the holistic wellness philosophy, offering a way to nourish the body from the inside out.

    As we look to the future, this holistic approach to health and wellness is likely to continue shaping consumer behavior and product innovation in China. The emphasis on mind, body, and soul, complemented by the consumption of supplements, is setting new standards for health, beauty, and well-being.

    As told to Jing Zhang


    • While China's skincare and makeup sectors are saturated, the relatively unexplored perfume and hair care markets offer substantial opportunities for growth and innovation.
    • France's rich heritage exemplifies what China could achieve, highlighting a significant opportunity for pioneering brands due to the disparity in brand diversity and sophistication between the two markets.
    • Holistic and wellness (both mental and physical) trends see a cultural shift in China, leading to a boom in supplements and beauty products that align with these values.
    • The beginnings of Florasis' own global expansion could offer a playbook for other homegrown beauty brands as they contemplate the next step after local domination.
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