Cosmetics firms gaining an edge with innovation

The ongoing consumption upgrade in China is making technology-driven innovation a key competitive edge for personal care products and cosmetics makers looking to gain traction with sophisticated Chinese consumers, said industrial analysts.

"China is one of the fastest growing cosmetics markets in the world, and that trend is definitely taking place here," said Gareth Barker, president of the personal care and aroma ingredients division at DSM, a Dutch multinational.

According to Barker, Chinese consumers are different from consumers elsewhere. For example, Western people want to look browner to look healthier, whereas Chinese people and those from some other Asian countries would rather look lighter to look healthier.