By Luna Jade (Lee Jaegeun) K-Beauty Market Analyst & Global Beauty Researcher, specializing in China Lip Care Market Trends
New Age of Functional Lip Care
The China Lip Care Market has entered an era where lips are no longer just for color — they are a wellness statement. Once a simple beauty accessory, lip products have evolved into functional skincare hybrids that promise hydration, anti-aging, SPF protection, and sensorial experience.
According to Qingyan Industry Consulting, China’s lip care segment surpassed 2.4 billion yuan in total retail sales by late 2024, marking nearly 30% annual growth. The surge stems from changing consumer behavior: rather than treating lip care as a seasonal product, users now see it as a daily step in their skincare ritual.
Moreover, social platforms such as Douyin and Xiaohongshu have transformed lip care from impulse buying to a science-backed lifestyle habit. This phenomenon underscores a defining narrative within the China Lip Care Market Trends—premium, purposeful, and personal.
<Source: Douyin homepage>
Market Overview: The Rise of Lip Skincare
China’s lip care market has undergone profound transformation in both perception and structure. Previously dominated by traditional brands like Mentholatum, today the sector is shaped by innovative local challengers such as RUYI, PLIFT, FIRYHERB, and Benfutang, which position themselves as “affordable premium” alternatives.
A report from Senmobang highlights that essence-type lip care products now account for 58.7% of all online sales, while SPF-based lip balms continue to expand at an annual rate of 22%. These numbers confirm that consumers value scientific efficacy, texture comfort, and ingredient transparency over flashy packaging.
In short, China’s lip care evolution mirrors the country’s broader beauty movement: from surface-level cosmetics to functional, evidence-driven skincare.
Key Growth Drivers in the China Lip Care Market
Ingredient Transparency and Premiumization
Modern consumers no longer accept vague promises. They demand clear ingredient disclosure and verifiable results.
Brands like FIRYHERB emphasize anti-aging lip serums infused with peptides and hyaluronic acid, while PLIFT gained traction for its essence-type formula targeting dryness and fine lines.
The success of these brands stems from their ability to blend clinical-grade performance with emotional appeal.
Meanwhile, Korean import brands such as Toriden and Torriden bring innovative biomimetic moisturizers into China, strengthening cross-border collaboration. Their popularity reinforces that the China Lip Care Market Trends are guided by trust, texture, and transformation.
The Rise of Local Innovators
The 2025 landscape is defined by local powerhouses that adapt faster than multinational corporations.
For instance, RUYI achieved a 16.44% market share on Tmall, surpassing Mentholatum and establishing itself as China’s new “value-for-money” icon. Benfutang and TJE—two emerging domestic names—saw YoY growth rates exceeding 300%, largely thanks to viral Douyin campaigns showcasing natural ingredients and real-life user reviews.
<Source: Ruyi homepage>
These brands embody what Chinese Gen Z consumers value most: authenticity, ingredient safety, and localized storytelling. In essence, local brands are no longer followers—they are leading global conversations about modern lip care.
Top 10 Lip Care Brands in China (September 2024)
Based on Chanmama and Senmobang data, the following ranking reflects online performance, product innovation, and consumer sentiment.
| Rank | Brand | Key Product / Feature | Market Insights (Sep 2024) |
| 1 | PLIFT | Lip Care Essence | 960K units sold; Douyin bestseller; led the essence-type trend. |
| 2 | FIRYHERB (荀草密语) | Anti-aging Lip Serum | Focused on rejuvenation and anti-wrinkle repair. |
| 3 | ROPO | High-moisture Lip Oil | Natural oils for sensitive users; clean-beauty appeal. |
| 4 | Cistto (Cidtto) | Fragrance-free Lip Essence Gel | Hypoallergenic formula targeting urban professionals. |
| 5 | FUPEI | Hybrid Lip Oil + Essence | Combines hydration with volumizing effect. |
| 6 | RUYI (如意) | Affordable Lip Balm | 16.44% Tmall share; overtook Mentholatum in value. |
| 7 | Mentholatum (曼秀雷敦) | SPF Cooling Lip Balm | Retains core male demographic; SPF 15+ variant in demand. |
| 8 | TJE | Customized Lip Care Gel | +326.3% YoY growth; AI-based personalization features. |
| 9 | Benfutang (本肤堂) | Herbal Lip Essence | +375.1% YoY; leverages Chinese medicinal extracts. |
| 10 | Toriden (Korea) | Korean Essence Lip Serum | Sold-out trend on Douyin and Xiaohongshu; clean branding. |
Functional and Emotional Dynamics Shaping the Market
From Moisture to Protection
Hydration remains the baseline, but SPF protection and anti-aging functionality are the new pillars of China’s lip care boom.
The number of SPF-based products increased by 40% between 2023 and 2024, highlighting the growing awareness of UV-induced lip aging.
In addition, anti-aging lip serums featuring collagen and ceramides appeal to users seeking both softness and structure. These innovations reinforce that China Lip Care Market Trends in 2025 prioritize preventive beauty, merging dermatological science with lifestyle convenience.
Sensory Experience and Emotional Skincare
Chinese consumers are increasingly drawn to sensory beauty—products that feel good, smell good, and reflect emotional well-being.
Popular fragrances include peach, vanilla, and green tea, while texture innovations such as non-sticky oils and weightless gels redefine comfort.
This emotional dimension has transformed lip care into a “self-care micro-ritual.” It’s not just about glossy lips; it’s about reclaiming calm in fast-paced urban life.
Digital Ecosystems: How Douyin Shapes the Lip Care Market
The intersection of beauty and technology defines modern China.
Platforms like Douyin (TikTok China) and Xiaohongshu (RED) have become the real marketplace for lip care.
Instead of traditional ads, micro-education videos dominate: dermatologists and creators share ingredient facts, “how-to-layer” tips, and authentic user experiences. This user-generated education builds trust faster than celebrity endorsements.
Furthermore, AI-driven recommendation engines on Douyin personalize shopping suggestions based on skin type, gender, and usage habits. As a result, niche brands like TJE can achieve overnight visibility through data-driven virality.
The future of lip care sales in China will depend less on retail shelves and more on algorithmic storytelling.
Collaboration Between Global and Local Players
The China Lip Care Market is not a zero-sum game—it’s a collaboration hub.
Global powerhouses like L’Oréal and Shiseido are now working with local OEM/ODM labs to co-develop lighter textures and herbal-based formulations tailored for Chinese consumers.
At the same time, K-Beauty manufacturers are exporting patented technologies—like polyglutamic acid and fermented plant complexes—to help Chinese startups scale quality quickly.
This symbiotic ecosystem ensures that innovation in lip care moves both ways across borders.
Consumer Shifts: From Aesthetic to Wellness
The next frontier of lip care lies in holistic wellness.
Consumers see lip protection as part of mental and physical health maintenance—echoing the rise of “inner beauty” supplements and stress-relief skincare.
This wellness-driven mindset means that future lip care will integrate vitamin-infused balms, soothing aromatherapy essences, and probiotic-based barrier care.
In other words, the lip category is expanding beyond aesthetics toward scientific self-care.
Future Outlook: Lip Care Becomes Lip Science
Analysts expect the China Lip Care Market to exceed 3 billion yuan by 2026, with essence-type products maintaining leadership.
Three clear directions will define 2025–2026 trends:
- Ingredient Transparency: Clear labeling and active claims.
- Personalization: AI-powered diagnosis and formula customization.
- Sustainability: Recyclable packaging and vegan-certified ingredients.
As China Lip Care Market Trends evolve, the winning brands will be those that merge science, emotion, and storytelling—offering not only soft lips but also a sense of identity.
Related reports:
China’s Inner Beauty Boom 2025
China Haircare Market Trends 2025
France Lip Product Market 2025 Report
Inside the China Anti-Aging Cosmetics Market
Inside the Korean Injectable Ingredient Market in China
Method & Source Notes
Data and insights compiled from:
- Qingyan Industry Consulting (2024–2025)
- Chanmama (蝉妈妈) – Douyin and Tmall Data
- Senmobang (森摩榜) – Lip Care Category Report (2024 Q3)
- Beijing KOTRA Trade Office Reports (2023–2024)
- Official brand disclosures and consumer analytics
No promotional or affiliate content was used.
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