THE WHAT? Kao has reported its results for the nine months to September 30, 2021. The Japanese personal care manufacturer saw net sales inch up a modest 1.6 percent to ¥1.021 billion versus the prior-year period.
THE DETAILS Operating income dropped ¥11.1 billion to ¥109 billion and net income was down ¥4 billion to ¥83.4 billion.
The group’s Cosmetics unit was the star performer, with sales up 3.5 percent on the equivalent 2020 figures to hit ¥165.9 billion, while the Life care division saw sales grow 1.4 percent to ¥38.1 billion. Both Hygiene and living care and Health and beauty care experienced falls in sales of 2.7 percent and 3.2 percent respectively.
THE WHY? The J-beauty giant said in a statement, “During the period from January to September 2021, the household and personal care products market in Japan, which is the Kao Group’s key market, began to show signs of recovery but shrank due to repeated resurgences of infections and the absence of the increase in demand that arose in the previous year. In addition, the cosmetics market shrank, and recovery lacked force due to the substantial impact of the state of emergency, which continued in various regions of Japan.”
Aesthetic medicine products are developed and regulated to meet stringent safety and efficacy standards. They are typically administered by trained healthcare professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and specialized nurses in clinical settings. These products aim to provide effective solutions for cosmetic enhancement, skin rejuvenation, and overall aesthetic improvement, contributing to both physical appearance and self-confidence.
Key categories of aesthetic medicine products include:
-
Injectables: This category includes products such as dermal fillers, botulinum toxins (e.g., Botox), and collagen stimulators. These injectables are used to smooth wrinkles, add volume, and improve facial contours.
-
Skin Rejuvenation Treatments: Products like chemical peels, microdermabrasion systems, and laser devices are used to improve skin texture, reduce pigmentation irregularities, and enhance overall skin tone.
-
Skincare Products: These include medical-grade cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and topical treatments containing active ingredients like retinoids, antioxidants, and growth factors. They are formulated to address specific skin concerns such as acne, aging, and hyperpigmentation.
-
Hair Restoration Products: Medical treatments and products designed to promote hair growth and treat conditions such as male and female pattern baldness.
-
Body Contouring and Fat Reduction: Devices and products used for non-surgical body sculpting, such as cryolipolysis (cool sculpting) devices and injectable lipolytics.
-
Cosmeceuticals: High-performance skincare products that bridge the gap between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, often containing potent ingredients with proven clinical benefits.
-
Wound Care and Scar Management: Products like silicone sheets, gels, and advanced wound dressings used to improve healing and reduce the appearance of scars.
