August in review: Combating animal testing, Estée Lauder’s US$1B loss, summer skin trends
In industry news last month, Youthforia said it would shut down, and the Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) reported over a billion-dollar net loss. The indie beauty brand did not give a reason for its closure, but Estée Lauder cited tariff pressures. Meanwhile, a 50% tariff from the US on aluminum and steel product categories hit the beauty packaging industry.
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) advanced its efforts to end animal testing with the success of its campaign against a lab conducting menopause experiments. The organization also revised the eligibility requirements for its Beauty Without Bunnies list.
Personal Care Insights spoke to L’Oréal Groupe brands about what skin care trends emerged this summer. Additionally, AI continued to permeate the beauty industry with Revieve releasing an AI tool that assesses skin age.
Youthforia shuts down following racial insensitivity backlash
Indie beauty brand Youthforia announced its closure in an Instagram post. The company did not provide an official reason for the shutdown, but many speculated that a controversy the brand faced last year played a significant role in its decline. Last year, the brand faced backlash after a foundation range launch was criticized for lacking inclusive shades. In an attempt to amend and appease consumers, it released a shade that was described as “jet black,” sparking accusations of racial insensitivity. Online discourse tied Youthforia’s shutdown to this scandal.
Revieve launches AI skin age tool for personalized skin care, RoC races to adopt
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The CEO of Acorn Biolabs shared how the company uses stem cells to create personalized, sustainable anti-aging serums. Revieve launched Skin Age Diagnostics, an AI tool that assesses skin age and delivers personalized skin care recommendations. By simplifying complex skin analysis into a single, relatable metric — age — the tool makes results easier for consumers to understand. RoC Skincare became the first to adopt it, using the feature to enhance consumer personalization.
Animal testing lab closure exposes “pointless cruelty” in women’s health research
A PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) campaign shut down menopause experiments on monkeys at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, US. The animal rights organization said the lab spent over 10 years performing “scientifically-flawed” experiments on marmosets. These animals do not experience menopause. Dr. Julia Baines from PETA told us that animal experimentation is “worthless,” and when used to advance women’s care, only passes down oppression.
Ozempic face: Weight loss drugs spark demand for targeted skin care
Weight-loss medication Ozempic is popular for its fast slimming effects, but reports of skin-related side effects, including premature aging, have emerged. Responding to this issue, skin care brands have emerged with targeted solutions for what has been deemed “Ozempic face.” Image Skincare launched its VOL.U.LIFT GLP-1 4D skin rebound complex, specifically targeting skin issues following the use of GLP-1 drugs.
PETA US tightens cruelty-free list to close EU animal testing loophole
PETA US updated its Beauty Without Bunnies list to only include companies that sell in specific countries. The move responded to EU cosmetic testing regulations conflicting with animal testing bans — such as the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) framework. We spoke to the non-profit about companies’ role in moving toward a cruelty-free future..jpg)
PCPC highlighted evolving US and EU regulations at its 2025 conference.
Most cosmetics sold on e-commerce sites are counterfeit finds Which?
Which? found that 67% of products purchased from popular beauty brands on major e-commerce platforms were counterfeit. We spoke to the UK organization about how trading standards need decisive action to prevent fake products from being distributed to consumers. The counterfeits pretended to be brands like CeraVe, La-Roche Posay, Charlotte Tilbury, and The Ordinary. The investigated online retailers have shipped thousands of these products to buyers.
Simplifying summer care: L’Oréal, NYX and Garnier tap demand for hybrid makeup and SPF
L’Oréal Paris Makeup, NYX Professional Makeup, and Garnier representatives said beauty brands prioritize multifunctional products, lighter textures, and practical sun protection in color cosmetics and skin care this summer. We spoke with these brands about how beauty companies are approaching the summer 2025 season.
Estée Lauder reports US$1B loss amid sales declines, restructuring and tariff pressures
The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) reported a net loss of US$1.13 billion for fiscal 2025. Restructuring costs, falling sales, and looming tariff pressures weighed on results. The company said it expects tariffs to weigh heavily on its near-term results. Based on current information and its net of mitigation measures, tariff-related headwinds are forecast to reduce FY2026 profitability by about US$100 million. Although fragrance and digital-focused brands showed some strength, Estée Lauder shares dropped 6% after the reported losses.
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Gabby Kosmoski of Kenvue emphasized the role of colloidal oats in gentle baby skin care. US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on 407 aluminum and steel product categories, impacting the personal care industry. What was originally discussed as a 25% tariff on raw materials was doubled and extended to goods containing or contained in these materials. The move was predicted to impact import costs and raise consumer prices significantly.
Nigeria bans raw shea nut exports to boost domestic processing and global market share
Nigeria’s government imposed an immediate ban on exporting raw shea nuts to boost the country’s position as a global supplier of refined shea butter and other skin care products. The ban will remain in place for six months, after which it will be assessed for review. The shea market has a strong foothold in the personal care industry. Shea butter is an essential raw ingredient for skin and hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers.
