Industry Insights: Key Developments in Beauty and Personal Care for October 2025
Beauty Industry Leaders Push for Clean Standards Amid Major Corporate Shifts
Berlin, Germany – In a pivotal month for the beauty industry, a coalition of leading brands has united to advocate for standardized “clean beauty” practices, emphasizing the need for transparent, science-backed data. This initiative comes at a time of significant corporate restructuring, with Kering announcing the sale of its beauty division to L’Oréal for €4 billion (approximately US$4.66 billion).
At the SEPAWA Congress 2025, industry experts discussed the rising trend of ecological surfactants as key ingredients in hair care innovations. “Mild and eco-friendly surfactants are not just a trend; they represent a fundamental shift towards sustainable beauty,” said a representative from Clariant. The focus on scalp health and microbiome-friendly formulations is gaining traction, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainability.
Meanwhile, Kenvue, the parent company of brands like Neutrogena and Aveeno, is reportedly considering spinning off its skin health and beauty division amid declining sales and health allegations linked to Tylenol. Analysts estimate this division could be valued between US$6–9 billion, with significant interest in its flagship brands.
The European Parliament’s legal committee has stirred controversy by agreeing to dilute the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, a move critics argue could undermine corporate accountability. “This could reduce corporate responsibility to a mere box-ticking exercise,” warned environmental advocates.
In a groundbreaking survey conducted by La Roche-Posay, findings revealed that skin conditions such as eczema and scarring have profound psychological impacts, leading to low self-esteem and social stigmatization. Dr. Delphine Kerob, the brand’s international scientific director, emphasized the need for beauty brands to address these issues, stating, “Skin conditions are not just dermatological; they are mental health issues that require our attention.”
The conversation around human-derived ingredients in cosmetics is also heating up, with exosomes emerging as a promising anti-aging solution. However, experts caution that research and safety regulations are lagging behind, creating potential risks in this regulatory gray area.
In a positive development for the global beauty market, South Korea’s cosmetics exports reached a record US$8.52 billion in the first nine months of 2025, marking a 15.4% increase from the previous year. The U.S. has overtaken China as the top market, with skin care leading this growth. Officials attribute this success to strong overseas demand and market diversification, with Korean beauty products now reaching 205 countries.
As the beauty landscape evolves, the coalition of brands, including Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and Credo Beauty, has highlighted that while 76% of cosmetic ingredients are verified as safe, 24% remain uncharacterized. “The term ‘clean beauty’ lacks a universally accepted definition,” noted Heather McKenney from ChemForward, underscoring the urgent need for greater transparency in the industry.
In a related development, Nigeria’s recent ban on raw shea nut exports has raised concerns about the livelihoods of women dependent on this trade. The Global Shea Alliance has called for inclusive dialogue and investment to ensure that the transition to refined shea butter production strengthens local economies.
As the beauty industry grapples with these challenges and opportunities, the focus on mental health, sustainability, and corporate responsibility will likely shape its future trajectory. The SEPAWA Congress 2025 has proven to be a vital platform for these discussions, setting the stage for a more accountable and innovative beauty landscape.
