Global beauty giant Estee Lauder recently announced that its China Innovation Labs have been designated as a global research and development center, the highest level worldwide, by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce.

This milestone coincides with the 20th anniversary of Estee Lauder's R&D presence in China and underscores the company's commitment to its promise of "in China, for China; in China, for the world".

Under Shanghai's regulations for foreign-invested R&D centers, Estee Lauder's facility qualifies as a global R&D center, meeting the criteria of being authorized by the parent company as a top-level global R&D hub, undertaking international projects, and fulfilling the required investment thresholds.

Located in Caohejing Technology Oasis, Minhang district, the center features end-to-end innovation capabilities, spanning consumer insights to product launch. Its proximity to Asian consumers has accelerated the global rollout of several successful products, such as Estee Lauder Perfectionist Pro Rapid Brightening Cream, which is praised both domestically and internationally.

The center also strengthens research through collaborations with local medical institutions, conducting nearly 400 clinical and consumer tests annually. Its recent AI-driven study analyzing pores in one million Chinese consumers won first prize at the 16th China Cosmetics Academic Symposium.

Stephane de La Faverie, president and CEO of Estee Lauder, emphasized that strong R&D capabilities enable faster product launches in China, Asia, and the global markets, supporting the "Reimagining Beauty" strategy and driving growth in key markets.

The company's 20-year R&D in China reflects its commitment to delivering high-quality products for Chinese consumers, said Joy Fan, president and CEO of Estee Lauder Greater China, adding that the center will continue to push the boundaries of innovation and deepen its development in the Chinese market.

Source: Minhang district government