Beyond The Headlines: L’Oréal funds tech-driven start-ups, dsm-firmenich’s R&D campaign

This week in personal care news, L’Oréal funded a commercial pilot offering mentorship for tech-driven start-ups in the South Asia Pacific, and dsm-firmenich unveiled its House of Science campaign. Meanwhile, Rhode’s debut in Sephora reached sales of US$15 million in the first week. 

Business news

L’Oréal has funded a commercial pilot opportunity and a one-year mentorship program for a South Asia Pacific-based start-up. The L’Oréal 2025 SAPMENA Big Bang Beauty Tech Innovation Program has elected 10 finalists, all offering tech solutions that address current challenges in the beauty industry. The finale will take place in Singapore on October 7, when the companies will pitch their ideas to L’Oréal, Meta, Google, and Veros Ventures representatives. 

dsm-firmenich’s Beauty and Care division showcased its House of Science campaign to demonstrate the depth of its R&D experience. The company’s global network includes 2,000 scientists, and it invests €700 million (US$826 million) annually in R&D, which spans biotechnology, microbiome research, and phytoexpertise. dsm-firmenich aims to provide brands and consumers with effective and sustainable sun, skin, and hair care technologies.

Skin Laboratory raised a ฿52.8 million (US$1.6 million) IPO and started trading on Thailand’s Market for Alternative Investments. It sold 33 million shares at ฿1.20 per share (US$0.03). The company’s founders retain 69.44% of the shares with lock-up provisions. 

Retail and recall news

Rhode landed in Sephora North America stores and outpaced Rare Beauty and Fenty’s debut sales in its first week, totaling US$15 million. The Hailey Bieber-founded skin care brand, which was recently acquired by E.L.F. for US$1 billion, sold out in Sephora stores in “top locations,” such as New York’s SoHo location, US. 

Skin Laboratory started trading on Thailand’s Market for Alternative Investments.Essence Makeup announced it is expanding retail operations at Walmart. This month, it will roll out on e-commerce and early next year in stores in the US. The company’s CAGR over the past six years has been 20%, and it says it positions itself as one of the fastest-growing beauty brands in the US. The retail partnership with Walmart will strengthen the brand’s reach to consumers nationwide.

W Cosmetics urgently recalled skin care and other cosmetic products in Australia, fearing that consumers could suffer allergic reactions. The recall occurred because the labels were not printed in English, so the products did not meet the mandatory standard for labeling cosmetic ingredients. The products were sold nationwide between March 2023 and September 2025, and all consumers are advised to stop using the products immediately. 

Epoca International recalled Paris Hilton Mini Beauty Fridges due to a risk of overheating and fires. The fridges, which are sold in various colors and come in four- and 10-liter sizes, are included in the recall if manufactured before August 2024. The product was retailing at Amazon, Walmart, and other e-commerce websites, and the recall highlights safety concerns for branded appliances in the beauty market. 

Product launches

Shed launched a triple beauty blend supplement for skin, hair, and joint health. It is formulated for beauty from within. The company claims the blend is the only one on the market combining collagen, colostrum, and ceramosides. It blends bovine and chicken collagen peptides (types 1, 2, and 3), bovine colostrum, plant-based ceramosides, hyaluronic acid, resveratrol, and vitamin C. The mix is created to support skin health, hydration, and elasticity. It also supports flexible joints, strengthens hair and nails, and improves overall gut and immune health. 

Ariana Grande Perfumes debuted two limited-edition fragrances in her Wicked collection, which is themed in accordance with her recent movie. The first fragrance, Glinda Bubbly Pink, blends nectarine, pink sparkle apple, and tulips with notes of sandalwood and sugared musks. The other fragrance, Elphaba Enchanted, has notes of green apple, black plum, and moon flower and hints of oudwood, oak moss, and vanilla.