The 5th edition of Cosmoprof CBE ASEAN closed in Bangkok on 26 June 2026, welcoming nearly 25,000 visitors from 95 countries and over 730 exhibitors — a 12% increase from 2025. The show expanded to 33,000 sqm, and for the first time launched Cosmopack CBE ASEAN, a dedicated supply chain zone that accounted for 52% of the total exhibition area.
That supply chain focus tells you where the industry is heading. Here are the three procurement shifts that stood out.
1. PDRN and the Longevity Narrative
One ingredient dominated conversations on the show floor: PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide). Originally known from medical aesthetics as "salmon DNA", PDRN is now moving rapidly into daily skincare. It stimulates collagen and elastin production, accelerates wound healing, and reduces inflammation, with 98% DNA similarity to humans making it highly biocompatible for barrier repair and post-procedure recovery.
Buyers are no longer asking for "anti-aging" in the traditional sense. They want skin longevity — formulations that support cellular health and long-term resilience. Thai brands like About Skin have built their identity around PDRN-driven formulations, while Korean derma-cosmetic brands such as Centellian24 showcased PDRN firming ranges. The message is clear: PDRN is a structural shift, not a trend.
2. OEM/ODM Buyers Want Upstream Partners
The scale of OEM/ODM/CDMO presence at this year's show was striking — nearly an entire floor dedicated to contract manufacturing. But the most significant shift was not scale. It was capability.
Asian manufacturers are moving upstream: taking control of raw material R&D and active ingredient extraction, while expanding into formulation design, brand strategy, and regulatory compliance. They are no longer just "producing what brands specify" — they are becoming full-chain innovation enablers.
Chinese supply chain companies demonstrated this shift clearly, showcasing customised R&D solutions tailored to Asian skin types and tropical climates, with integrated services from formulation to packaging. Many exhibitors reported cooperation intentions reached on-site.
3. Compliance and Sustainability Are Non-Negotiable
Two regulatory deadlines dominated buyer conversations. From 17 October 2026, Indonesia will enforce mandatory halal certification for all cosmetics sold in the country — covering not just finished products but raw materials as well. Products without certification will not be allowed for distribution.
On the sustainability side, recyclable and biodegradable packaging penetration in Southeast Asia reached 23% in 2025 and is expected to exceed 30% in 2026. Thailand has already updated packaging standards requiring a minimum 30% recyclable content-.
For buyers, this means supplier selection now includes halal audit capability and packaging compliance — not just price and quality.
What This Means for Brands
The ASEAN market is growing fast. Thailand's beauty and personal care market alone is projected to grow from USD 7.4 billion in 2026 to USD 9 billion by 2031, with multi-functional skincare, natural ingredients, sustainable packaging, and flexible customisation as core growth drivers.
The procurement shift is clear: buyers want ingredient innovation (PDRN, biotech actives), upstream OEM partners with R&D capability, and full regulatory compliance. Suppliers who can deliver all three are best positioned.
We manufacture custom softgel capsules for skincare and haircare — supporting actives like PDRN, retinol, vitamin C, and peptides, with plant-based shell options and halal-ready formulations. GMP-certified in Guangzhou. Flexible MOQ.
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