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Rx-to-OTC Switch Forecasts

Safety and caution characterize the next frontier of Rx-to-OTC switches

Companies are being more selective in the Rx-to-OTC switches they pursue, according to new research just published by Kline & Company in the 13th study in its venerable syndicated series, Rx-to-OTC Switch Forecasts USA: Next Frontier.

Safety is paramount, and the sophistication of clinical studies required to gain approval has increased the cost burden and risk to switch sponsors. Most future switches will depend on a combination of market-driven forces and safety, as determined by regulators. Continue reading

Beauty’s Fusion of Natural and Digital Worlds

Beauty’s Fusion of Natural and Digital Worlds

Nature-inspired products, social influencers, technology, indie brands, millennials, and the rise of gen z are key trends shaping the U.S. cosmetics and toiletries market today. Recording solid growth of 3% in 2016, the ever-evolving beauty market is poised for another year of success.

As we begin our research for the 43rd edition of Kline’s Cosmetics & Toiletries USA report, encompassing five product classes and 17 product categories, we take note of important developments and highlights.Continue reading

Specialty Biocides: China, Europe, India, United States

Specialty Biocides: The Reasons Behind Unexpected Industry Dynamics

Changing industry regulations and continuous developments across end-use applications are the key factors affecting the USD 4.5 billion market for specialty biocides in China, Europe, India, and the United States, according to Kline’s recently published chapters of its Specialty Biocides: Regional Market Analysis study.

Due to their nature and the variety of applications they are used in, biocides are often a key component in chemical formulations. The fact that some chemistries are under scrutiny in many countries makes this sizeable and rather mature market an unexpectedly dynamic industry, where regional markets are characterized by sets of completely different trends.Continue reading

Milux LED Mask

Eye on Beauty Devices: Still Strong in Asia

Asia is a hub for many technology skin care innovations, as well as the home of key markets for beauty devices, such as China, Japan, and South Korea, some of which are posting double-digit growth in 2016. China drives the beauty devices boom in Asia, registering a substantial increase in sales of 18% and putting itself ahead of all the markets analyzed in our upcoming Beauty Devices: Global Market Analysis and Opportunities report.

While China shines brighter than ever, South Korea should not be overlooked either as it is a hotbed for innovations, especially when it comes to anti-aging devices. The market is mostly driven by wearable LED masks from local marketers, such as Milux, Park So-hoo, and AMC. Price points for these products range from $150 to upwards of $1,000 each.Continue reading

Trends in jansan market in 2017

Capturing Critical Shifts in Jansan Market

Sales of the U.S. market for janitorial cleaning chemicals grow at a slow, but steady pace from 2015-2017, to some extent matching population growth in the country. To thrive in this mature market, janitorial cleaning product suppliers need a deep understanding of end users’ needs and market dynamics to bring innovation and capture profitable niches. In this article, we look into the key changes and challenges for jansan market suppliers in 2017.

Contract cleaners continue to expand their business, trying to gain a new client base beyond office buildings. Continue reading

Global Lubricant Basestocks: Market Analysis and Opportunities

Kline’s Index of Base Stock Production and Re-refining Cash Margins Indicates Market Turbulence Since 3rd Quarter 2016

Kline’s July 2017 edition of the Base Stock Production and Re-refining Cash Margins Index, which characterizes recent cash margin contributions in the U.S. base oil market, indicates market turbulence since 3rd Quarter 2016.

The Index estimates cash margin contributions associated with U.S. Group II base stock production. It simulates EBITDA before the deduction of corporate SG&A expenses for typical VGO-based virgin base stock plants and RFO-based re-refineries.
Continue reading

What Can Beauty Retailers Learn from Amazon’s Prime Day?

What Can Beauty Retailers Learn from Amazon’s Prime Day?

In case you missed it, Amazon hosted its third annual Amazon Prime Day last week. The event is often compared to Black Friday, as the e-commerce giant rewards its Amazon Prime members through deep discounts and promotions on its products. What’s different about Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day is where consumers are shopping—it is traditional brick and mortar versus the virtual world. Coincidently, Amazon Prime Day this year took place on the same day Kline presented about the shift in where beauty consumers are shopping at the Cosmoprof NA event.Continue reading

Unmasking Opportunities in Facial Skin Care at Cosmoprof

Unmasking Opportunities in Facial Skin Care at Cosmoprof

Walking through the aisles of the exhibition hall at Cosmoprof North America, it was clear that the K-Beauty trend, specifically the trend of facial sheet masks, continues to be in full swing. Sales of Korean beauty products in the United States grew almost 30% in 2016, as reported in our K-Beauty: Riding the Wave in the United States study. The category is well known for its affordable luxury proposition and has inspired a variety of new anti-aging and hydration masks in the United States. At the show, there was no shortage of facial skin masks, many with new innovations in format, texture, and delivery.Continue reading

Home Fragrances Market Movers

Home Fragrance Market Movers: Indies Fuel Sales

Luxury players continue to win, moving the market forward with unique product designs and sophisticated fragrances. According to the recently published Home Fragrances: U.S. Market Analysis and Opportunities report, the mass trade class remains the key contributor of market sales while luxury players are expected to inch the segment out in 2017. Alternate channels of distribution, such as boutique beauty retail specialty stores, e-commerce, and person-to-person sales, account for nearly 45% of the market share, up from 35% just five years ago. Standout performers in these channels include Illume, Nest, and Diptyque.Continue reading

Ziip Beauty Device Image credit: Ziip Beauty

Skin Care and Technology—A Good Cocktail in the European Beauty Devices Market

The at-home beauty devices market in Europe experiences solid growth of about 13% in 2016, with a plethora of opportunities to explore. The market is dominated by three-leading skin care concerns—hair removal, anti-aging, and cleansing—accounting for 75% of the total market sales in 2016. However, hair regrowth is the fastest-growing segment as U.S. marketers emphasize on establishing their brands in Europe.

The market has been categorized by the presence of generic devices targeting acne, anti-aging, cleansing, hair removal, and hair regrowth for a few years now. To break this status quo, marketers are beginning to embrace the concept of bespoke solutions by combining skin care and technology to develop customized skin care treatments for consumers. One such classic example is Skin Inc’s Optimizer Voyage Tri-light with NASA-based technology that uses Chromotherapy and Low Frequency Therapy to help boost the skin’s absorption.Continue reading