The Challenge
In 2019, BrighterBeauty, an innovative foreign-invested skincare concept, faced a formidable task: introduce their cutting-edge treatments and products to China’s complex and evolving regulatory landscape. The challenge was multifaceted:
- Develop rejuvenation treatments based on advanced tanning industry technology
- Create complementary take-home products, including innovative food supplements
- Navigate China’s strict regulatory environment for both cosmetics and food supplements
- Ensure compliance with multiple standards while maintaining product integrity and innovation
- Ensure that animal tests are not involved in product development or in the compliance processes.
Our Approach
Knudsen&CRC Team rose to the challenge by providing a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy that went beyond mere compliance advice:
Product Development and Compliance
- Collaborated in the development and formulation of dietary supplements and skincare products
- Ensured all products met both China regulations and Leaping Bunny standards
- Secured NMPA product filings for all cosmetics products prior to launch
Manufacturing and Quality Control
- Identified, inspected, and negotiated with local manufacturing partners
- Conducted functional claims testing to validate product efficacy for both cosmetics and supplements
Regulatory Navigation
- Provided staff training on compliant marketing and communication
- Trained staff on NMPA’s requirements for responsible agents in cosmetics
- Conducted ongoing compliance screening of marketing materials
- Ensured food supplements met rigorous SAMR standards, overcoming significant regulatory hurdles in this innovative product category
Cross-Functional Expertise
Knudsen&CRC Team provided a full spectrum of services, including:
- Marketing compliance
- Manufacturing audits
- Quality control
- Regulatory challenge navigation
- Implementation and supervision of local manufacturing programs
- Securing product approvals and registrations by both NMPA and SAMR for cosmetics and food supplements respectively
- Leaping Bunny evaluation
Key Innovations
- Dual-Category Expertise: Successfully developed and launched both cosmetics and food supplements, navigating distinct and complex regulatory pathways for each.
- Advanced Technology Integration: Adapted tanning industry technology for rejuvenation treatments, setting new standards in skincare innovation.
- Comprehensive Compliance Strategy: Developed a holistic approach covering product formulation, manufacturing, marketing, and ongoing regulatory adherence for multiple product categories.
Success that Speaks Volumes
Despite the challenges of entering the Chinese market with innovative products across multiple categories, BrighterBeauty achieved remarkable success:
- Successfully opened the first flagship store in JingAn district in June 2019
- Manufactured and registered all skincare serums and facemasks with NMPA
- Developed, manufactured, and launched 12 innovative skincare supplements and beverages, meeting stringent SAMR standards
- Featured in prominent fashion publications including Business of Fashion, ELLE, VOGUE, and Grazia
Long-term Impact
- Established BrighterBeauty as a leader in innovative skincare solutions in the Chinese market
- Created a model for successful entry into China’s complex regulatory environment for both cosmetics and food supplements
- Built a foundation for global expansion based on the success in China
Key Learnings
- A holistic approach combining regulatory expertise with broader business acumen delivers impressive results while reducing business risk.
- Expertise in navigating multiple product categories (cosmetics and food supplements) is crucial for brands with diverse, innovative offerings.
- Ongoing compliance monitoring and adaptation are essential in China’s evolving regulatory landscape, especially when dealing with novel product types like food supplements in the beauty industry.
Client Testimonial
“If you are looking for an organization who helps you decode every changing requirement of the China market and consumers, Knudsen&CRC is an amazing find. Their insights and tenacity for helping companies find a solution that works for their brand and China is unique.”
– Jessica Gleeson, CEO, Brighter Beauty
This case study demonstrates Knudsen&CRC Team’s commitment to going beyond compliance and working side by side with our clients to deliver successful outcomes in highly regulated industries. By leveraging our diverse expertise – spanning compliance, marketing, quality control, and local knowledge – we turn complex challenges into opportunities for growth and market leadership, particularly in navigating the intricate world of cosmetics and food supplements in China.