Under-the counter sales, supply chains, consumers clamoring to get their skin's fix - is this really the new face of anti-aging skincare? With a myriad of cult new players emerging onto an already saturated market, each promising bigger, better and faster results than the last, its hardly surprising that consumers are being sucked in by the medical gurus and crystal-clear faced celebrities endorsing them.
Anita Yuen, Director of Beauty at Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong says that many of her Beyond Beauty customers are indeed swayed by these doctor-driven cosmeceuticals and high-performance anti-aging products. Further, these consumers (which comprise more than half of her client base) are highly sophisticated, informed and looking for more than just perceived benefits - they want results, fast. What's more, with the current merging of rigorous cosmetic science with haute-couture skincare innovation is becoming the price of entry and the lines between prestige and mass brands are becoming increasingly blurred.