4 Innovative beauty products to watch for in May 2021

Mintel’s team of global beauty experts track product launches that address new consumer needs. This month, they spotlight the products that relate to hair care.

YUAN Momordica (苦瓜) Refreshing Shampoo

YUAN Momordica (苦瓜) Refreshing Shampoo, originating from Taiwan, contains bitter melon extract, which is rich in vitamin C and amino acids that produces fine foam to clear dirt and grease on the scalp. It also includes chrysanthemum to relax the senses and relieve fatigue.

On-Trend:

Consumers have shown growing interest in local ingredients, in line with the Trend Driver, ‘Surroundings.‘ This also aligns with Mintel’s Locavore Trend, which details the growing interest in supporting and buying local. In China, a third of consumers say they use local beauty brands because of the traditional Chinese elements.

(Launched in February 2021 in Singapore)

– Sharon Kwek Si Ling, Associate Director, Southeast Asia, Beauty & Personal Care

Skin Grammar Sweet & Gentle Shampoo Bar

South Korean clean beauty brand Skin Grammar’s highly concentrated solid shampoo contains a coconut-derived surfactant that gives a rich foam. It is food-safe and is safe for consumers and the environment. The sustainably manufactured vegan formulation, and its plastic-free and recyclable packaging, helps to protect dry hair and deeply cleanse the scalp. Features non-slip packaging and the efficacy of its scalp exfoliation and sebum control have been proven in clinical trials.

On-Trend

Reduction of water consumption has become a key sustainability goal for many beauty brands, and anhydrous formats have seen increased popularity as a result. This product’s clinically proven efficacy will appeal to the seven in 10 South Koreans who trust products/ingredients created by scientists, or with scientific backing.

(Launched in March 2021 in South Korea)

– Hwa Jun Lee, Senior Beauty and Personal Care Analyst

Good Dye Young I’m Bored Hair Makeup

Good Dye Young I’m Bored Hair Makeup is a pigmented hair serum for anyone who loves a regular hair colour switch-up with convenient merits. A semi-temporary colour hair serum designed to provide colour that lasts anywhere from two to six washes, and is suitable for a range of hair colours. Colours can be preserved with cool water or washed out faster, as needed, with hot water and clarifying shampoo. Contains aloe vera and soy protein to condition and strengthen hair.

On-Trend

Mintel research on a year of innovation in hair colourants details how temporary dye has gained popularity in recent years due to perceived convenient merits. Competitive prices, cheaper temporary colourants (vs permanent) and private label products will appeal to people looking for more affordable options.

(Launched in April 2021 in the US)

– Sharon Kwek Si Ling, Associate Director, Southeast Asia, Beauty & Personal Care

Crown Affair Dry Shampoo

Crown Affair Dry Shampoo is a reimagination of the dry shampoo process traditionally thought to be quick and suitable for on-the-go use, to now adopt a mindful and slowed-down hair ritual. This product is packaged in a round casing that resembles a face powder, complete with a flat Kabuki brush that sits inside the cap of the packaging. The brush allows direct and more controlled application to the hair roots – a different application experience than spray-on dry shampoo.

On-Trend

In the US, more than two in five consumers use dry or no-rinse shampoo a few times a week. Dry shampoo, traditionally a niche product in many markets, may have found its place in the new work-from-home reality due to the impact of COVID-19, in which people may be washing their hair less frequently.

(Launched in April 2021 in the US)

– Sharon Kwek Si Ling, Associate Director, Southeast Asia, Beauty & Personal Care