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Writer's pictureSODA Global

Obsession of Skincare & Cosmetics in Tmall and The Little Red Book in China

Updated: Sep 27, 2022


Ancient China Skincare & Cosmetics Culture


Ancient Chinese women were once obsessed with having radiant skin and beauty, whiter, brighter appearance has long been a goal for Chinese women. Skincare and cosmetics in China were evolved from time to time just to maintain the skin health, improve its look, and relieve skin disorders by avoiding or limiting sun exposure and using emollients appropriately; and the aim to have an additional gentle effect on the human body or face to being attractive, enhancing, improving the appearance, or keeping or encouraging the skin or hair in excellent condition . If you're fighting breakouts or wanting to restore an even more youthful, yet natural, appearance, good skin care products and cosmetics in China can help enhance the appearance and texture of your skin at any age.





Evolution of Skincare & Cosmetics Culture in China

  • Wei and Jin dynasties ``Use of Metal '' (AD 220-420)- To brighten the complexion, lead mercuride was commonly used. The substance induced melanocytes, a kind of skin cell that is responsible for skin pigmentation, to die, resulting in skin that is easily brightened. Lead poisoning is caused by prolonged contact with significant amounts of lead on the skin. Lead's toxicity was undiscovered to ancient Chinese people.

  • Floral Formula- Florals are extracted to produce essential oils using refinement technology in making floral hydrosols. Flowers are used in a variety of beauty products to bring them a healthy glow and to add aromas, and many people use them as both a skincare and a perfume.

  • Wei Dynasty to Southern Dynasty "Bath beans" (AD 220-589)- Tens of ingredients are included in the bath beans intended for use by nobles or officials, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (Formulas of a Thousand Gold Worth) masterpiece by doctor Sun Simiao of the Sui and Tang dynasties. "Bath beans," a bar-shaped product made from soy bean powder, medicinal herbs, and fragrances, were frequently used. Soybean isoflavone, which has a chemical structure that is very similar to the female hormone estrogen, is said to be beneficial to women.

  • Qing Dynasty “Rice water” (1644-1944)- Chinese women used pan (rice-washing water) to eliminate residue and lighten up their skin. The fine rice content of starch, vitamins, and proteins are said to be beneficial to the skin. Even today, one of the most popular homemade skincare routines is washing one's face with rice-cleaning water.


Most Skin Problems in China


People have been wearing facemasks continuously since the beginning of the pandemic, Skincare increases sales in The little Red Book and Tmall.  According to a Mainland research report on rational skincare in the postpandemic period.  As a result, allergies and acne have emerged as the most common skin concerns among consumers.
Most skin Problem in China


People have been wearing facemasks continuously since the beginning of the pandemic, according to a Mainland research report on rational skincare in the postpandemic period. As a result, allergies and acne have emerged as the most common skin concerns among consumers. As people spend more time at home, they devote more time to skincare. This trend is especially noticeable among the post-1990s generation. In the post pandemic period, the ingredients, efficacy, and safety of makeup and skincare products are the most important factors to consider when selecting a product.


Skincare Practices and Routine in China


  1. Gently wash your face with a face-specific product (Cleanser) . If you have dry skin, look for an alcohol-free cleanser, and if you have oily skin, look for an oil-free cleanser. Then, rinse with warm water.

  2. Toner is applied to the face after washing it, and it helps to smooth and calm the skin while restoring nutrients.

  3. Even if you have oily skin, you should use moisturizer every time you wash your face. Choose an oil-free or gel product if you have this type of skin.

  4. Even if you have sunscreen, it is still a good idea to use a separate sunscreen every day, even if the weather is cloudy.Choose a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 and broad-spectrum protection.

  5. Exfoliators are optional; they should be used no more than once or twice a week, after a cleanser but before a moisturizer.

  6. Add serum can help with certain problems like redness.


China sales in Cosmetics and Skincare products


In recent years the China market anticipated for cosmetics will break RMB478.1 billion in 2021 from multiple sales channels, online or offline. Ecommerce are mainly from Tmall Globalo, social media is from little red book, which is a lady focused social media, which also has ecommerce feature, the Red Mall.

China's cosmetics industry has grown at a rapid pace, in keeping with the country's economic expansion. According to Euromonitor, retail sales of skincare goods in China will reach RMB260.4 billion in 2020, while make-up sales will reach RMB52.5 billion, according to the Forward Industry Research Institute in Shenzhen. Despite the fact that the Covid-19 outbreak impacted physical shop sales, online sales of skincare and make-up via the Alibaba group of ecommerce platforms increased by 31.8 percent and 32.5 percent, respectively, year over year.


In recent years the China market anticipated for cosmetics will break RMB478.1 billion in 2021; the little Red Book and the Tmall leads the sales. China's cosmetics industry has grown at a rapid pace, in keeping with the country's economic expansion.
Sales of Cosmetics & Skincare in China mostly from Tmall and the Little Redbook



Sales of Skincare Tmall and Taobao in China 2021


Alibaba's e-commerce marketplaces Tmall and Taobao Skincare sales in 2021 every quarter showed at 1st quarter 2021 worth 24.56 billion yuan, in second quarter at 33.35 billion yuan and 21.7 billion yuan respectively.
Tmall Skincare Sales 2021


Alibaba's e-commerce marketplaces Tmall and Taobao Skincare sales in 2021 every quarter showed at 1st quarter 2021 worth 24.56 billion yuan, in second quarter at 33.35 billion yuan and 21.7 billion yuan respectively. Numerous individuals who perceive skincare to be therapeutic have helped to increase its appeal; the desire for flawless skin without the use of makeup, as well as the fixation with avoiding wrinkles and other symptoms of aging.


Tmall and Taobao Skincare Product demand in 2021


  • Moisturizers

  • Cleansers

  • Serums

  • Exfoliants

  • Collagen

  • Vitamin C

  • Vitamin B

  • Vitamin D


Tmall and Taobao Cosmetics sales in 2021


Despite the pandemic COVID-19, in China beauty is always the reflection of being confident and trending on all social media. The Cosmetic Sales of Tmall 2021 beat the amount of 9.67 billion yuan in this recent quarter (3rd Quarter 2021).


Top beauty Tmall and Taobao Cosmetics Trending 2021

  • Liquid lipstick and lip gloss

  • Nude and matte eyeshadows

  • Mink false lashes

  • Liquid blush

  • Glitter eyeshadows

  • Bold nails

  • Edge control products (for hair)

  • Plant-based false lashes

  • Handheld facial exfoliating and cleansing brushes

  • Lacefront wig glue

  • Argan oil shampoo

  • Coffee exfoliant scrubs


Little Red Book Skincare & Cosmetics 2021


Another successful Chinese social e-commerce website Xiaohongshu (known in English as Little Red Book) with almost 100 million active members. Little Red Book active users are estimated as one hundred million users and most of them belong to millennials(41%) and Gen Z (58%). Among the active users of Little Red Book (100 million active members), according to Statista 90% of the users found females.

SODA Global Marketing found that the top selling products have an excellent skew of sales skincare, cosmetics, and fashion items.


Top 3 Little Red Book Trending Sales 2021


  1. Beauty and fashion product

  2. Sportswear

  3. International brands or Luxury Brands


Analysis on How to Sell and Promote Brands and Products in China

  1. Both Xiaohongshu or the Little Red Book and Tmall are international ecommerce serving overseas who want to sell in China market.

  2. Going Viral products: Keep up with current trends, such as the information provided above: Skincare and Cosmetics in China. Stay on major sites like Tmall Global and the Red Mall, which have 101 % of high possibilities of skew of sales.

  3. Have the knowledge of how to register accounts on both the Little Red Book and the Tmall Global.

  4. Awareness on how to start a business in China with the Guidance of legal E-commerce Partners like SODA Global Marketing.


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