What to Expect from PCHi China 2025: Key Innovations and Trends

The Personal Care and Homecare Ingredients (PCHi) event is a major platform for the personal care industry, serving as a launchpad for global product debuts and innovations. It’s a key event for the overall beauty and personal care sector. PCHi China showcases the newest advancements in ingredients, formulations, and technologies.

PCHi 2025: All about this leading cosmetic ingredients event

China is expected to be the world’s second-largest skincare market by 2027, according Mintel’s 2025 Beauty Market Insights, with an estimated market value reaching ¥1,605 billion in 2024 and projected steady growth (CAGR 4.2% from 2024 to 2029). Apart from a launchpad for new products, PChi is a place to gain local insights, and a venue for engaging with industry leaders.

Looking ahead, PCHi 2026 will take place in Hangzhou from March 18–20. Hangzhou is a hub for technology, business, and culture, and home to C-beauty brands like Florasis and Mao Geping.

Highlights of the 2025 Edition

The 2025 edition of PCHi in Shanghai featured several important highlights.

• Keynote sessions and forums: The main plenary session, “Capturing the Industry’s Trends & Mapping a Pathway to the Future,” was a cornerstone, providing insights into emerging ingredient technologies and market trends.

• New additions to PCHi 2025: The introduction of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Zone explored AI’s role in product customization and research. The Fragrance Experience Zone offered a multi-sensory exploration of fragrance in personal care.

• PCHi Fountain Awards: The PCHi Fountain Awards celebrated advancements and contributions to the personal care industry, including categories like sustainability and skin health.

Key Innovations at PCHi Shanghai China

PCHi Shanghai showcased key innovations set to redefine the cosmetics and personal care industry.

Spotlight on award-winning innovations: The PCHi Fountain Awards highlighted pioneering advancements and contributions to the industry.

Sustainable and eco-friendly solutions: Exhibitors showcased eco-friendly practices, including:

• Upcycled Ingredients: Ingredients derived from by-products.

• Biodegradable Packaging: Sustainable packaging solutions.

• Waterless Formulations: Waterless or solid formulations.

• Green Chemistry: Environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.

Technological advancements in formulations and delivery: Technological innovations enhanced product efficacy and personalization, such as:

• Encapsulation Technologies: Improved stability and delivery of active ingredients.

• Smart Delivery Systems: Targeted and controlled release of ingredients.

• AI-Powered Formulations: Personalized formulations based on consumer data.

• Wearable Beauty Devices: Devices that monitor skin health.

Science of Smart Cleansing

Smart cleansing combines technology with skincare science. It focuses on preserving the skin’s microbiome and barrier function. Technology is used to analyze skin parameters and create customized cleansing routines. Techniques like sonic and ultrasonic vibrations ensure gentle cleansing. Cleansing products emphasize pH balance, micellar technology, and microbiome support. Data-driven insights help users track progress and refine routines. This approach improves skin health, reduces irritation, and enhances product absorption.   

Anti-aging Skincare product development

PCHi 2025 highlighted advancements in anti-aging skincare, driven by innovative ingredients and technologies. This includes scientific breakthroughs, personalized approaches, and sustainability. Ingredient technology advancements include novel peptides, growth factors, and natural retinoid alternatives. Personalized skincare will be prominent, with AI-powered skin analysis and microbiome-focused products. Sustainability is key, with TCM principles, clean beauty, upcycled ingredients, and green chemistry. Technological innovation is evident in enhanced delivery systems. Consumer engagement will be prioritized through digital platforms and personalized consultations. The goal is to deliver effective, safe, and personalized anti-aging solutions.   

Market Trends Shaping the Beauty Industry in 2025

Key market trends are shaping the beauty industry in China in 2025, influencing products and services development and consumer behavior.   

Instrumental rationality: multi-functional efficiency:

• Financial constraints: Consumers are focused on practicality and value.

• High-functionality, minimalist packaging: There’s a preference for efficiency.

• Multi-functional products: Demand for efficiency is driving multi-functional products.

Science fetishism: technology-driven skincare:

• Advanced ingredients: Ingredients like peptides and ceramides are redefining skincare.

• AI-driven personalization: Consumers seek tailored solutions.

• Medically backed formulations: There’s a demand for medically backed formulations.

• Home-use beauty devices: Solutions inspired by medical aesthetics are gaining traction.

Inner wellness: natural and holistic care:

• Holistic wellness: The focus on holistic wellness has increased.

• Traditional chinese medicine (TCM): Products blending TCM with modern formulations are valued.

• Natural skincare market: The natural skincare market is growing rapidly.

• Oral beauty supplements: Supplements like collagen drinks are expected to drive market growth. 

Socialization and personal identity:

• Social media influence: Social media plays a key role, with products as “social currency.”

• Cultural identity: There’s a demand for products tied to cultural identity.

• Eco-friendly packaging: Eco-friendly packaging is gaining popularity.

• The rise of “Skintellectuals”: Consumers are focused on and knowledgeable about skincare ingredients.

• Chinese chic inspiration: Chinese elements are being adopted in product concepts.

• Scene-based beauty: Demand is growing for specific solutions to address multiple skin challenges.   

Evolving consumer priorities:

• Multi-functionality: Products offering multiple benefits are sought after. 

• Science-backed formulations: Consumers prioritize products with proven efficacy. 

• Holistic wellness: Integration of inner and outer care is gaining traction. 

• Social value: Products are seen as symbols of identity and lifestyle.

How was Provital present at PCHi China 2025?

Provital’s presence at PCHi China 2025 highlighted its commitment to eco-ethical beauty and innovation. Provital showcased how nature and science align with the demand for sustainable and innovative products, highlighting innovations like Hydrafence™ and Triplobiome™ technology.

Provital was successfully nominated for three products for 2025 PCHi Fountain Awards (Hydrafence™ in the “Moisturizing” category for innovative ingredients; Shiloxome™ in the “Skin Microecology” category; Keradeep in the “Hair and Scalp Care” category).

Ricard Armengol, CEO of Provital, was invited to speak at the international forum, sharing the significant impact of endophytic bacteria in plant relationships on the skin. The marketing manager of Provital China also delivered a speech during the exhibition, revealing the efficacy tests of actives powered by our cutting-edge technology.

In conclusion, PCHi China 2025 highlighted key trends and innovations shaping the beauty and personal care industry. The focus on multi-functional efficiency, technology-driven skincare, inner wellness, and social identity reflects evolving consumer priorities. Brands must adapt to meet the dynamic demands of the market. PCHi China is a crucial platform for industry professionals to collaborate and innovate.

For further information or insights on this topic, please do not hesitate to contact our team of experts, who are available to provide guidance and support in selecting the most suitable solutions for your requirements.