Latest news with #SkinCeuticals'
Business Insider
20-05-2025
- Health
- Business Insider
The patent behind a $182 cult-favorite skincare product recently expired. So, where are all the dupes?
Does it sound crazy to spend $182 on a 30 mL bottle of face serum that famously smells like hot dog water? Tell that to the diehard fans of SkinCeuticals' C E Ferulic. Despite its high price point, the L'Oreal -owned brand's vitamin C serum has developed a cult following of devoted users over the past 20 years, thanks in part to a closely guarded, patent-protected formula that the company says can protect skin and improve signs of aging. Months ahead of the patent's expiration date in March, skincare addicts flooded Reddit with hopes of cheaper "dupes" — a comparable product at a more affordable price point. But the expiration date of that patent has come and gone, leaving many wondering: Where are the dupes? Skincare industry experts who spoke to Business Insider said lookalike products could be on the way, but they don't expect the patent expiring to immediately result in any major disruptions to the industry, the vitamin C market, or the SkinCeuticals brand itself. A bigger issue, they say, is the effect of dupe culture on skincare industry innovation — the kind that led to the existence of C E Ferulic in the first place. The patent factor SkinCeuticals' C E Ferulic is beloved by celebrities like Hailey Bieber and embraced by many skincare fans as the holy grail of vitamin C serums — sometimes a little begrudgingly, due to the high price. Niki DeMartinis, an ER doctor who lives in New York, said she has tried various vitamin C serums over the years, but that she always comes back to C E Ferulic. "I feel like my skin looks and feels the best with it," she told BI, adding it makes her skin look more even and less dull. She said it's the priciest skincare product she uses regularly, but she thinks it's worth the cost. C E Ferulic, which hit the market in 2005, is 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, or pure vitamin C, with vitamin E and ferulic acid. Dr. John Carroll Murray, a dermatologist at Duke University who authored a 2008 study showing the formula provided UV photoprotection for skin, said the reason C E Ferulic was such a big deal was the way it was put together. "It's easy to put vitamin C into a product. It's quite common, quite cheap, and quite safe, but it has to be properly formulated so that it'll be active and effective at removing reactive oxygen species," he said, referring to molecules that can damage skin. Lina Twaian, a skincare industry expert and brand consultant, told BI that the ability to tout the patent has been a useful marketing tool for SkinCeuticals. L'Oreal, the largest beauty company in the world, clocked $47 billion in sales last year, according to its annual financial report published in February. The report said its dermatological beauty division grew nearly 10% in 2024 and that the SkinCeuticals brand grew by double digits. SkinCeuticals' patent for C E Ferulic officially expired in March, the standard 20 years after it was issued. Since then, the company has removed several references to the patent from its product page, according to a review of internet archives. They're now touting the previously "Patented Formula with 15% Vitamin C" as a "Superior Formula." When reached for comment on the patent expiring, SkinCeuticals told BI the brand is introducing a new, patent-pending "antioxidant protection and performance" formula in 2026. The brand said in a statement that "SkinCeuticals remains the only brand with exclusive expertise in the precise formulation and production of C E Ferulic." Experts are divided on whether more dupes are on the way As dupe culture exploded on social media over the past five years, there's been an even greater appetite for cheaper alternatives to C E Ferulic. "It's been such a popular and efficacious product, it's pretty clear that brands are going to try to duplicate that," Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist and professor at the University of Cincinnati, told BI of the patent's expiration. She and the other industry experts said brands have already released their own versions of vitamin C serums, including some that appear similar to SkinCeuticals'. That's because even changing a product slightly can make it safe from a potential patent infringement, according to Larissa Jensen, a senior vice president and global beauty industry advisor at Circana. "If you have something that's close but not exact, it can still be used in the market, so I don't necessarily know if the patent expiring is going to all of a sudden expose a floodgate of brands with this formula," Jensen told BI. Still, L'Oreal has fought to protect the formula. In 2018, L'Oreal sued Drunk Elephant, alleging the skincare brand's vitamin C serum had infringed on its patent. The case was settled out of court, and the terms of the settlement were not made public. Drunk Elephant, which is owned by the Japanese beauty company Shiseido, sells its C-Firma Fresh Serum for $79, less than half the price of C E Ferulic. The product has 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic — the same quantities promoted by SkinCeuticals. However, unlike C E Ferulic, the product is designed to be mixed by the consumer before use. Shiseido told BI it does not comment on company settlements or litigation as a matter of company policy. Since the patent has expired, Dobos said she expects brands to try to replicate the formula, now without the risk of patent infringement. But she said there's no guarantee that those companies will get it right or that, even if they do, they'll be able to do it at a significantly lower price point. Not all dupes are created equal Replicating C E Ferulic won't necessarily be easy, Dobos said. In part, that's because it's unlikely the patent told the full story of how the serum is formulated and made. There are also many other factors that could impact the effectiveness of a product: the quality of ingredients, the manufacturing process, quality control and assurance, and packaging, which needs to be compatible with and protective of the formula. Producing effective skincare can also be very finicky, so every aspect matters, Dobos said, adding that without clinical trials on a specific product, it's unclear if it will have the same effect as a product it appears similar to. Elf Cosmetics announced a new vitamin C serum earlier this month that Dobos said appeared to be positioned as a direct competitor to C E Ferulic, for 91% cheaper. The $16 Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum has a similar trio of main ingredients, but at a fraction of the cost, and is being marketed as an alternative to "spendy serums." But Dobos said it uses a different version of vitamin C, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, which she said was a "more stable version, but it's less substantiated in terms of effectiveness." Other factors that could impact the difference in price include where it's made (Elf produces most of its products in China), regulatory and labor costs, the cost of ingredients and packaging, and research and development, like clinical studies, Dobos said. Clinical studies would be needed on the Elf product to really compare it to C E Ferulic, she said. Elf did not respond to a request for comment. Taking the shine out of dupe culture Several industry experts have said that dupe culture itself could actually be hurting skincare innovation. Charlotte Palermino, the cofounder of Dieux Skin, recently wrote in a Substack post that dupes have "diluted" the beauty industry. She said innovation is expensive to produce as well as protect. "But the tragedy of dupe culture isn't just the heartbreak of 'they copied my homework.' It's the slow death of innovation," she wrote, adding, "If you want innovation, perhaps consider valuing it." Dobos said dupe culture incentivizes companies to focus on putting out products that are in line with the latest trends rather than creating something truly groundbreaking. "I do think the kind of dupe culture that we're in is hindering innovation in a way because it's taking time and resources away from it," she said. "True, disruptive innovation takes time."
Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Style News: Beauty pop-ups by SkinCeuticals and Raffles City, Nuxe launches cult favourite
At SkinCeuticals' travel retail pop-up at Changi Airport, travellers can enjoy facials and shop exclusive products. PHOTO: SKINCEUTICALS SkinCeuticals launches its first travel retail outpost US-based medical aesthetic skincare brand SkinCeuticals has landed at Changi Airport Terminal 1, and it is celebrating by launching a travel retail pop-up in Terminal 3 Departure Hall. Happening until June 4, the highlight of the activation is a complimentary 30-minute HydraFacial, available to Changi Rewards members with a minimum spending of $500 on SkinCeuticals products either at the pop-up or via iShopChangi. Visitors can also receive a free skin analysis using the brand's SkinScope 2.0 technology, which offers insights into underlying skin concerns beyond the visible surface. Exclusive to this Changi pop-up are two new products not available elsewhere in Singapore. A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra ($325.69) is a next-generation anti-ageing cream that is said to target glycation – an often-overlooked contributor to wrinkles, sagging and dullness – and features 34.4 per cent flavo-proxylane, a patented anti-ageing ingredient developed by skincare giant L'Oreal, which owns SkinCeuticals. Collagen III Amplifier ($154), a multi-peptide serum, is formulated to stimulate the skin's natural production of Collagen III, the protein responsible for maintaining elasticity and a youthful, resilient appearance. Travellers can also shop Travel Retail Exclusive Sets featuring SkinCeuticals' most high-performance formulations, grouped into three systems: Anti-Aging, Antioxidant and Brightening. Info: SkinCeuticals is at T3 departure hall, 65 Airport Boulevard, and online at Raffles City's Beauty Vault reopens The Raffles City Beauty Vault returns for its second edition with make-up masterclasses and fragrance workshops from 21 coveted beauty brands. PHOTO: RAFFLES CITY Raffles City is back to make beauty lovers swoon with the return of Beauty Vault, the mall's signature luxury beauty pop-up, running until June 15. Following its debut in 2024, this second edition raises the bar with 21 luxury brands, including newcomers such as Australian beauty label Aesop, as well as French fragrance labels Kilian Paris and Frederic Malle. The 2024 edition featured 15 brands. Occupying the Level 3 Main Atrium, the pop-up will feature celebrity-led masterclasses, fragrance layering workshops, skin diagnostics and personalised colour analysis. There is also a full slate of lifestyle experiences, from cocktail-making to sustainability talks. Kicking off the pop-up on May 10 is a make-up masterclass by French beauty house Givenchy Beauty. Shoppers can look forward to a range of exclusive rewards. With every $50 spent, guests will earn a chance to win back their total spending, up to $3,000, in a lucky draw, with a maximum of 10 entries. Those who spend $400 or more in a single receipt at participating beauty brands can redeem a $20 eCapitaVoucher (limited to the first 1,500 redemptions), while those who spend $2,000 or more in a single receipt can redeem a $100 eCapitaVoucher (limited to the first 150 redemptions). In collaboration with French fragrance house Maison Francis Kurkdjian, the top spender (across participating beauty brands, with a qualifying purchase from Maison Francis Kurkdjian) between May 8 and Feb 28, 2026, will win an ultra-exclusive Parisian escape. The prize includes a stay at the legendary Le Meurice, a private visit to the Maison Francis Kurkdjian flagship, a Michelin-starred dining experience, a rare tour of the Perfumer's Garden at Versailles, and possibly even a meeting with the perfumer himself, Francis Kurkdjian. Info: Sign up for the masterclasses via the Raffles City Beauty Vault 2025 microsite at Nuxe debuts cult product in Singapore Nuxe's fan-favourite Super Serum [10] and Super Serum [10] Eye Contour. PHOTO: NUXE French beauty brand Nuxe has finally brought its fan-favourite Super Serum [10] to Singapore. Launched in 2021 and a runaway hit in Europe – with one bottle sold every minute and 13 beauty awards to its name – this multitasking serum ($141.20) is said to smooth, plump, hydrate and generally make your skin behave like it is a decade younger. At the heart of the formula are more than 3,800 golden micro-spheres suspended in a lightweight, silicon-free base of a 100 per cent natural hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. These spheres keep the botanical oils sealed and stable until they touch your skin, ensuring maximum poten cy and freshness. Meanwhile, Nuxe's newly launched Super Serum [10] Eye Contour ($99.90) is formulated with the same golden micro-sphere innovation, to tackle telltale signs of fatigue such as puffiness, dark circles and fine lines. Both products are vegan, 95 per cent natural in origin and suitable for all skin types. Info: Available at Guardian stores and online at Shopee, Lazada and GrabtoGlow Henry Jacques unveils two new fragrances Henry Jacques has launched two fragrances under its new collection inspired by nature. PHOTO: HENRY JACQUES French fragrance house Henry Jacques is stepping into nature with its latest collection. Launched on May 3, Il y Avait Un Jardin... – meaning 'There was a garden...' in French – celebrates the quiet elegance of cologne in its purest, most essential form. The two debut creations, named I and II, offer distinct yet equally transportive takes on garden-inspired colognes. I opens with sun-drenched citrus – bergamot, lemon and bitter orange – before settling into a tender mix of orange blossom, lavender and sandalwood. II is a brighter burst of orchard fruit and zest, softened by nutmeg, tonka bean and earthy vetiver. Each is priced at $510 for 250ml. To bring this vision to life, Henry Jacques partnered a multi-generational Calabrian citrus producer, ensuring every note reflects the highest quality raw ingredients. That reverence for nature carries through in the minimalist packaging: thick green glass bottles wrapped in kraft paper, like something plucked from an old apothecary shelf or a sun-warmed garden shed. Info: Available at Marina Bay Sands, L1-08A, Marina Bay Sands Hotel Tower 2, 1 Bayfront Avenue Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
L'Oréal Powers Up SkinCeuticals' eShop Growth
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 April 2025 - Appier, a leading AI-native AdTech and MarTech company, announced its successful collaboration with L'Oréal, which was recognized at the Loyalty & Engagement Awards Hong Kong 2025 in the 'Best Use of Customer Insights/Data Analytics' category for the AI-powered transformation of SkinCeuticals' eShop. This award highlights the success of a full-funnel, data-driven strategy that delivered measurable business outcomes and set a new benchmark for AI applications in beauty e-commerce. In partnership with Omnicom Media Group (OMG) and powered by Appier's Ad Cloud and Personalization Cloud, L'Oréal significantly enhanced SkinCeuticals' marketing performance, achieving a 152% quarter-over-quarter increase in ROAS, a 400% uplift in CVR among hesitant users, and a 48% boost in total on-site revenue. 'Appier helped us accelerate AI transformation in advertising and marketing, boosting revenue contributions while enhancing operational effectiveness,' said Maggie Hui, SkinCeuticals & Kérastase E-Commerce Manager at L'Oréal. 'From behavior-triggered campaigns and time-limited incentives to advanced segmentation and seamless user journeys, Appier's technology played a crucial role in turning data insights into action.' Appier's AI solutions enabled L'Oréal to strategically identify and engage high-value customer segments. The Ad Cloud applied advanced segmentation, behavioral analysis, and time-sensitive offers to strengthen purchase intent and improve ad efficiency. At the same time, the Smart Conversion Optimizer within the Personalization Cloud identified hesitant users and delivered personalized incentives that maximized coupon performance while protecting profit margins. These capabilities were further supported by data-informed promotional strategies. L'Oréal scaled back incentives during high-demand periods such as 618 Summer Sale and Double 11, and increased engagement during quieter seasons to maintain conversion momentum. This strategic modulation of intensity helped sustain both growth and profitability. 'We're proud to empower L'Oréal through our AI-driven solutions,' said Magic Tu, SVP of Global Sales at Appier. 'Our mission is to help businesses turn AI into ROI, and this collaboration with L'Oréal is a strong example of how data and technology can drive measurable impact across the marketing funnel.' As AI becomes a core part of brand strategy, this case highlights the power of combining deep customer insights with intelligent automation, unlocking sustainable growth through innovation. Wechat: Appier 沛星互动科技 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
L'Oréal Powers Up SkinCeuticals' eShop Growth with Appier's AI-Driven Advertising and Marketing Solutions
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 April 2025 - Appier, a leading AI-native AdTech and MarTech company, announced its successful collaboration with L'Oréal, which was recognized at the Loyalty & Engagement Awards Hong Kong 2025 in the 'Best Use of Customer Insights/Data Analytics' category for the AI-powered transformation of SkinCeuticals' eShop. This award highlights the success of a full-funnel, data-driven strategy that delivered measurable business outcomes and set a new benchmark for AI applications in beauty e-commerce. In partnership with Omnicom Media Group (OMG) and powered by Appier's Ad Cloud and Personalization Cloud, L'Oréal significantly enhanced SkinCeuticals' marketing performance, achieving a 152% quarter-over-quarter increase in ROAS, a 400% uplift in CVR among hesitant users, and a 48% boost in total on-site revenue. 'Appier helped us accelerate AI transformation in advertising and marketing, boosting revenue contributions while enhancing operational effectiveness,' said Maggie Hui, SkinCeuticals & Kérastase E-Commerce Manager at L'Oréal. 'From behavior-triggered campaigns and time-limited incentives to advanced segmentation and seamless user journeys, Appier's technology played a crucial role in turning data insights into action.' Appier's AI solutions enabled L'Oréal to strategically identify and engage high-value customer segments. The Ad Cloud applied advanced segmentation, behavioral analysis, and time-sensitive offers to strengthen purchase intent and improve ad efficiency. At the same time, the Smart Conversion Optimizer within the Personalization Cloud identified hesitant users and delivered personalized incentives that maximized coupon performance while protecting profit margins. These capabilities were further supported by data-informed promotional strategies. L'Oréal scaled back incentives during high-demand periods such as 618 Summer Sale and Double 11, and increased engagement during quieter seasons to maintain conversion momentum. This strategic modulation of intensity helped sustain both growth and profitability. 'We're proud to empower L'Oréal through our AI-driven solutions,' said Magic Tu, SVP of Global Sales at Appier. 'Our mission is to help businesses turn AI into ROI, and this collaboration with L'Oréal is a strong example of how data and technology can drive measurable impact across the marketing funnel.' As AI becomes a core part of brand strategy, this case highlights the power of combining deep customer insights with intelligent automation, unlocking sustainable growth through innovation.
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
L'Oréal Powers Up SkinCeuticals' eShop Growth with Appier's AI-Driven Advertising and Marketing Solutions
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 April 2025 - Appier, a leading AI-native AdTech and MarTech company, announced its successful collaboration with L'Oréal, which was recognized at the Loyalty & Engagement Awards Hong Kong 2025 in the 'Best Use of Customer Insights/Data Analytics' category for the AI-powered transformation of SkinCeuticals' eShop. This award highlights the success of a full-funnel, data-driven strategy that delivered measurable business outcomes and set a new benchmark for AI applications in beauty e-commerce. In partnership with Omnicom Media Group (OMG) and powered by Appier's Ad Cloud and Personalization Cloud, L'Oréal significantly enhanced SkinCeuticals' marketing performance, achieving a 152% quarter-over-quarter increase in ROAS, a 400% uplift in CVR among hesitant users, and a 48% boost in total on-site revenue. "Appier helped us accelerate AI transformation in advertising and marketing, boosting revenue contributions while enhancing operational effectiveness," said Maggie Hui, SkinCeuticals & Kérastase E-Commerce Manager at L'Oréal. "From behavior-triggered campaigns and time-limited incentives to advanced segmentation and seamless user journeys, Appier's technology played a crucial role in turning data insights into action." Appier's AI solutions enabled L'Oréal to strategically identify and engage high-value customer segments. The Ad Cloud applied advanced segmentation, behavioral analysis, and time-sensitive offers to strengthen purchase intent and improve ad efficiency. At the same time, the Smart Conversion Optimizer within the Personalization Cloud identified hesitant users and delivered personalized incentives that maximized coupon performance while protecting profit margins. These capabilities were further supported by data-informed promotional strategies. L'Oréal scaled back incentives during high-demand periods such as 618 Summer Sale and Double 11, and increased engagement during quieter seasons to maintain conversion momentum. This strategic modulation of intensity helped sustain both growth and profitability. "We're proud to empower L'Oréal through our AI-driven solutions," said Magic Tu, SVP of Global Sales at Appier. "Our mission is to help businesses turn AI into ROI, and this collaboration with L'Oréal is a strong example of how data and technology can drive measurable impact across the marketing funnel." As AI becomes a core part of brand strategy, this case highlights the power of combining deep customer insights with intelligent automation, unlocking sustainable growth through innovation. Hashtag: #Appier #AI #business #MarTech #AdTech #BeautyIndustry #Ecommerce Wechat: Appier 沛星互动科技 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Appier Appier (TSE: 4180) is an AI-native SaaS company that empowers businesses to create value with cutting-edge AdTech and MarTech solutions. Guided by the vision of " Making AI Easy by Making Software Intelligent," Appier's mission is to help businesses turn AI into ROI. Appier is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Prime Market and operates in 17 cities worldwide. Visit for more company information, and for more IR information. Appier
