In recent years, as consumer demand for beauty products has surged, domestic cosmetic brands in China have emerged as significant players in the market. Chinese cosmetic brands not only enhance product quality but also showcase unique innovation in branding and marketing strategies. These brands, rooted in rich cultural backgrounds and local characteristics, have garnered increasing popularity among consumers. This article will explore the growth trajectories, key products, and international competitiveness of these top brands, providing readers with insights into the current state and future trends of the Chinese cosmetics industry.
1. Pechoin (百雀羚)
Pechoin(Baijiaqi), founded in 1931, is one of China’s oldest and most renowned skincare brands, focusing on natural and safe skincare experiences rooted in Eastern traditions. Over its 90-year history, the brand has evolved from “natural and non-irritating” to a “new herbal technology” positioning, emphasizing products tailored for Eastern women’s skin. Baijiaqi has expanded its product lines, including Baijiaqi Herbal, Baijiaqi Men, and San Sheng Hua, and has gained international recognition, ranking among the top 15 global beauty brands by Brand Finance in 2021. The brand also engages in various philanthropic efforts, supporting education and healthcare initiatives.
Founded: 1931
Product Features: The brand emphasizes gentle, effective formulations that are suitable for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin.
Main Products: Pechoin offers a range of products including moisturizing creams, facial masks, and cleansers.
Website: Pechoin Official Website
2. Chando (自然堂)
CHANDO, a high-tech natural skincare brand founded in 2001 in Shanghai, draws inspiration from the energy of the Himalayas and Chinese Zen philosophy, emphasizing harmony with nature. The brand offers a wide range of products, including skincare, makeup, and personal care items. Notable achievements include partnerships with the Chinese diving team, significant donations to support left-behind children, and recognition as a leading brand in the Chinese skincare market. CHANDO has also expanded internationally and received numerous awards for its innovative products and marketing strategies.
Founded: 2001
Product Features: Chando products are known for their high-quality natural ingredients and are designed to be suitable for everyday use.
Main Products: Popular items include hydrating creams, serums, and facial masks.
Website: Chando Official Website
3. Herborist (佰草集)
Herborist(Baicaojie), founded in 1998, aims to blend ancient Chinese beauty secrets with modern skincare technology. The brand’s research team explores herbal resources in China while studying skincare techniques in Europe and America. With a focus on balance and the essence of traditional Chinese medicine, Baicaojie has developed a range of products suitable for various skin types, achieving international recognition and expanding its presence globally, including flagship stores in Paris. The brand emphasizes authentic beauty and empowerment for Chinese women, promoting self-acceptance and confidence through its skincare solutions.
Founded: 1998
Product Features: Herborist products are formulated with herbal extracts that are gentle on the skin, focusing on balance and nourishment.
Main Products: Key offerings include facial cleansers, moisturizers, and masks.
Website: Herborist Official Website
4. Proya (珀莱雅)
Proya is a Chinese cosmetics brand that has gained international recognition over the past 20 years. It focuses on innovative skincare technology, using high-quality ingredients to provide effective and safe solutions for consumers. Established in 2003, Proya has rapidly expanded its market presence and recently opened a European Innovation Center in France, becoming the first Chinese beauty brand to do so. The company emphasizes scientific research and has received numerous awards for its products, while also committing to social responsibility initiatives, particularly in promoting women’s equality. Proya has shown significant growth, with its revenue increasing from 2.36 billion yuan in 2018 to 6.39 billion yuan in 2022.
Founded: 2003
Product Features: The brand is known for its effective formulations that incorporate advanced technology and natural ingredients.
Main Products: Proya’s popular products include hydrating serums, facial creams, and sun protection products.
Website: Proya Official Website
5. Inoherb (相宜本草)
Founded by Feng Shuai, who comes from a family of medical practitioners, the brand focuses on herbal skincare products developed in collaboration with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It emphasizes the philosophy of harmony between humans and nature, utilizing various herbal ingredients for effective skincare solutions. The brand has received numerous awards and recognition for its innovative products and contributions to the beauty industry, including accolades for its red ginseng and gentian-based formulations.
Founded: 2000
Product Features: Inoherb products are designed to be gentle and effective, suitable for various skin types.
Main Products: Notable products include herbal cleansers, moisturizers, and treatment masks.
Website: Inoherb Official Website
6. Florasis (花西子)
The “Hua Xizi” brand focuses on ancient Chinese beauty wisdom, creating makeup products tailored for East Asian women’s skin types and beauty needs. Utilizing floral essences and herbal extracts, the brand combines traditional ingredients with modern makeup technology to promote healthy skin. Their logo symbolizes a blend of fashion and classic Eastern aesthetics. Over the years, Hua Xizi has invested significantly in research and development, establishing multiple innovation centers and collaborating with top research institutions. The brand has gained international recognition, launching various product lines and participating in global events, while also engaging in charitable initiatives to support education and women’s empowerment.
Founded: 2017
Product Features: Florasis products are characterized by intricate designs and high-quality formulations that cater to the beauty preferences of modern consumers.
Main Products: Signature items include lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, and blushes.
Website: Florasis Official Website
7. Flower Knows (花知晓)
Flower Knows is a Chinese beauty brand founded in August 2016 by Yang Zifeng. The brand focuses on social media platforms like Weibo, Bilibili, and Xiaohongshu to engage with customers. It started with an initial investment of 1 million yuan and quickly grew, achieving over 200 million yuan in sales within three months. By 2020, sales exceeded 100 million yuan, and the brand secured significant funding for expansion. Flower Knows offers a variety of makeup products, with a strong emphasis on appealing packaging, although product quality is noted to need improvement. The brand aims to ignite a sense of youthful beauty in its consumers.
Founded: 2018
Product Features: The products are designed to be visually appealing and fun to use, appealing to a younger audience.
Main Products: Popular offerings include eyeshadow palettes and lip products.
Website: Flower Knows Official Website
8. Judydoll (朱迪豆)
Founded: 2018
Brand Introduction: Judydoll is a trendy makeup brand that focuses on providing high-quality products at affordable prices. It has quickly gained popularity among young consumers.
Product Features: The brand emphasizes vibrant colors and playful designs, making it appealing for everyday use.
Main Products: Key products include lipsticks, blushes, and eyeshadow palettes.
Website: Judydoll Official Website
9. Kaleidos (凯丽朵)
Founded: 2019
Brand Introduction: Kaleidos is a relatively new brand that focuses on innovative makeup products with a strong emphasis on creativity and artistry.
Product Features: The brand is known for its unique color palettes and high-quality formulations that cater to makeup enthusiasts.
Main Products: Popular items include eyeshadow palettes and highlighters.
Website: Kaleidos Official Website
10. 5Yina (五因)
Founded: 2019
Brand Introduction: 5Yina is a brand rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, focusing on enhancing skin resilience and health through its products.
Product Features: The brand offers a holistic approach to skincare, with products designed to address various skin concerns.
Main Products: Notable products include serums and creams based on traditional herbal formulas.
Website: 5Yina Official Website
These brands represent a blend of tradition and modernity, showcasing the rich heritage of Chinese beauty while catering to contemporary consumer needs.
