Hyaluronic acid fillers are one of the most popular injectable aesthetic treatments in China. According to statistics from Frost & Sullivan, the market size for skin fillers based on hyaluronic acid in China reached 6.4 billion Yuan in 2021. This market is projected to grow significantly, with an expected value of 44.1 billion Yuan by 2030.
The market for hyaluronic acid fillers in China is characterized by high homogeneity and intense competition, placing it in a highly saturated, or “red ocean,” market scenario. This competitive landscape is largely focused on facial treatments using hyaluronic acid, which are key drivers of market growth and consumer interest.
Botulinum Toxin:
In Mainland China, the state’s regulatory bodies maintain stringent control over botulinum toxin products, setting high barriers for market entry. From the introduction of the first botulinum toxin product by American firm Allergan in 2009, it took thirteen years for only four such products to receive approval for the Chinese market. These are Allergan’s Botox, Lanzhou Biological’s CBTX-A, Hugel’s Letybo, and Ipsen’s Dysport, with Hengli being the sole domestically produced product.
Botox, under the Allergan brand, is the dominant product in the market, maintaining a market share of over 65%. Its global sales in 2022 amounted to $5.334 billion. Prior to 2020, the botulinum toxin market in China was largely divided between Allergan’s Botox and Lanzhou Biological’s Hengli.
An expert in the medical aesthetics industry noted that there is substantial market potential for botulinum toxin. Currently, with only four approved products in China and just two exhibiting strong performance, Botox is seen as the premium choice, while Hengli is known for its cost-effectiveness. Dysport and Letybo, having entered the market more recently, are yet to match the market performance of the leading brands.
In summary, China’s botulinum toxin market is still in an early development phase. Botulinum toxin represents about 33% of non-surgical procedures in China, significantly lower than the 76% in the more mature U.S. market, suggesting a vast scope for growth. The shift from a duopoly to a competitive landscape among four key players is not the endgame but rather a critical juncture in the industry’s ongoing evolution. Over the next five years, the current market dynamics are expected to undergo significant change. With the approval of additional products, not only will the standing of the current four major brands be challenged, but there will also likely be price wars, ultimately benefiting a broader range of medical aesthetics consumers.
Regenerative Materials:
Regenerative filler products are classified as collagen stimulants, which, when injected into subcutaneous tissues, stimulate the body’s own fibroblasts and collagen response. Due to the stimulating effect of these collagen stimulants on human tissues, the domestic market has adopted the term “regenerative” to describe them. Polylactic acid (PLLA), a representative collagen stimulant, has seen significant market growth. According to data from Frost & Sullivan, in 2021, the market size for skin fillers based on PLLA in China was 111 million yuan, and it is expected to reach 3.76 billion yuan by 2030.
Regenerative medical aesthetic materials are diversified, with PCL (polycaprolactone) and PLLA being the mainstream. Collagen-stimulating materials on the market mainly refer to PLLA and PCL, but others like CaHA (calcium hydroxylapatite), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), and PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) are also bone materials that can stimulate the body’s own collagen. Compared to the effects of hyaluronic acid, regenerative materials offer longer duration, good biocompatibility, and degradability, attracting end consumers and driving market demand.
China’s regenerative medical aesthetic products are still in their initial stage, with only three approved products to date. The current compliant regenerative medical aesthetic products in China include Imeik’s CureWhite (濡白天使)( PLLA+HA), Huadong Medicine’s ELLANSÉ(伊妍仕) (CMC+PCL), and Sino Biom’s Löviselle (艾维岚)(PLLA), all of which received Class III medical device registration certificates in 2021. These three products have identified appropriate indications through over a year of clinical observation.
Active Materials:
Active materials are based on non-crosslinked sodium hyaluronate, compounded with a variety of nutrients. They possess biological activity and biocompatibility, can effectively react with biological tissues, thereby regulating collagen activity, repairing collagen fibers, and revitalizing the autologous collagen system, precisely addressing the anti-aging issues of the dermis. The core features include: certified by NMPA as Class III medical devices, non-crosslinked sodium hyaluronate, and a blend of various nutrients. However, due to the complex composition of active materials compared to traditional fillers, the interactions of multiple components require multi-faceted approval. The approval process is strict and time-consuming, and many manufacturers in the market are still in the application stage. HEARTY (嗨体) is the first NMPA approved and certified Class III medical device injection product for the dermis, targeting neck lines.
