Photonic medical aesthetic products in China use technologies like laser, IPL, radio frequency, and ultrasound for facial and body treatments, offering whitening and anti-aging effects. These procedures are generally non-invasive or minimally invasive. While laser and IPL focus on superficial skin issues, radio frequency and ultrasound target deeper tissues for lifting and tightening. Ultrasound, despite being the most effective in penetration, lacks Class III medical device approval in China. Cryolipolysis, a recent addition to the market, offers non-invasive fat reduction and body shaping, especially for the abdomen and waist, and is expected to grow in popularity.
Ultrasonic Aesthetic:
No NMPA Approved Class III Ultrasonic Aesthetic Products in the Chinese Market
Ultrasonic Aesthetic Technology: This refers to using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to generate heat in the dermis and fascia layers without damaging the skin’s surface. This heat stimulates skin cells to produce substances like hyaluronic acid and collagen, effectively reducing wrinkles and tightening skin. Unlike other photonic aesthetic technologies, ultrasound can reach the subcutaneous fascia layer, providing a lifting effect and anti-aging benefits. Market Gap: Globally, certified ultrasonic aesthetic devices are limited. Reasons include their high cost, stringent quality requirements for consumables, quick replacement needs, and low penetration rates. Additionally, the use of ultrasound technology carries higher risks. Improper operation can cause irreversible nerve damage. Despite FDA approval and CE certification for the Ultherapy ultrasound scalpel, several medical incidents have been reported. China’s Regulatory Perspective: The China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) views the risks of ultrasound technology as very high. Domestic ultrasound technology is still in its infancy and mostly in the approval stage, with no ultrasonic products approved as Class III devices (highest risk category). 2018 Developments: The China Medical Device Evaluation Center (CMDE) published an introduction to “cosmetic ultrasound scalpels,” noting that while such products are regulated as medical devices in the US and some are approved for market, none have yet been approved in China. This is mainly due to insufficient data demonstrating their safety for the Chinese population. 2021 Milestone: Shenzhen Peninsula Medical’s ultrasound therapy device, nicknamed “Ultrasound Cannon,” became the first domestically certified ultrasound therapy device in China. It’s regulated as a Class II medical device (lower risk category) due to its relatively weaker energy source and lower risk. NMPA approved it for treating chronic tissue damage pain in the shoulders, neck, waist, abdomen, limbs, skin scars, neurodermatitis, postpartum uterine recovery, and as an adjunct therapy in rehabilitation, dermatology, plastic surgery, and gynecology. 2022 Study: Peninsula Medical initiated a non-treatment controlled, prospective, randomized, multi-center, evaluator-blinded, superiority NMPA registered clinical study in October 2022. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of “MicroUltra” in improving skin laxity in the face and neck area.
RadioFrequency:
China’s Regulatory Change will Resuffle the Market in China for RF Products
Principle of RF Technology: RF technology uses electromagnetic waves to penetrate subcutaneous tissue and generate a thermal effect. This heat causes water molecules to separate from collagen fibers in the dermis, immediately tightening the skin and stimulating new collagen production for further skin tightening. Popular treatments like Thermage, ThermiLift, and microneedling with RF are mostly minimally invasive. Treatments such as Thermage and microneedling, which can be quite painful, often require local anesthesia. Post-treatment effects may include redness and minor scabbing. Hence, RF aesthetic devices demand high professional standards from physicians and a well-controlled operating environment. Future development of RF aesthetic products is focused on reducing pain and subcutaneous damage. Regulatory Changes in China: In March 2022, the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) revised the “Medical Device Classification Catalogue,” affecting 27 types of medical devices. This revision upgraded devices like Thermage and ThermiLift from Class II to Class III medical devices, which require registration under the “Medical Device Registration and Record-Filing Regulations.” A two-year transition period is in place, and after April 1, 2024, RF therapy and skin treatment devices without proper medical device registration certificates cannot be manufactured, imported, or sold in China. This regulatory shift indicates a reorganization of the market for RF aesthetic devices, aiming to promote a healthy and orderly development of the home-use beauty device industry. The upgrade in classification underscores the increased safety and quality standards expected for these devices.
Intensed Pulsed Light (IPL):
Huge Demands in China, Distinc Price Advantage of Domestic Chinese Brands
The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, a key player in the medical aesthetics sector, uses a broad spectrum of light for various skin treatments. Differing from lasers that emit a single wavelength, IPL releases light of multiple wavelengths. This multi-wavelength light is less focused and more scattered, enabling it to address a range of skin issues effectively. The market for IPL medical aesthetic equipment in China has shown a robust growth trajectory. In 2020, the market size was valued at 800 million Yuan. Projections indicate a rise to 1.18 billion Yuan by 2025, marking a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. This growth reflects an escalating demand for IPL technology in the Chinese medical aesthetics industry.
The high market demand for IPL is attributed to its versatility in treating various skin conditions, such as hair removal, acne treatment, skin rejuvenation, and pigmentation issues. The technology’s ability to cater to multiple skin concerns with less focused, scattered light makes it a preferred choice for consumers and clinics alike. A notable aspect of the IPL market in China is the distinct price advantage of domestic brands. This affordability has made IPL devices more accessible to a wider consumer base, contributing significantly to the market’s growth. The price competitiveness of Chinese IPL devices can be attributed to factors like local production, which reduces costs, economies of scale in large-scale manufacturing, a highly competitive domestic market driving prices down, and ongoing advancements in technology and manufacturing processes. The combination of growing awareness and demand for aesthetic treatments, the efficacy of IPL technology, and the competitive pricing of Chinese brands underlines a strong market position for these products. The affordability and accessibility of these devices are key factors propelling the market’s expansion, not just domestically but potentially in global markets as well.This pie chart highlights the competitive landscape of the IPL market in China, with Lumenis leading and a diverse range of companies contributing to the rest of the market. This pie chart shows the market share of IPL products in China in 2021. (open source data)
Laser Technology:
Rising Popularity in Hair Removal
The laser technology market, particularly in the realm of laser hair removal, is experiencing a surge in popularity. The primary working principle of laser technology involves the use of lasers made from different mediums to emit various wavelengths. These wavelengths, upon interacting with the human body, create photobiological effects. The photothermal effect generated by lasers aids in repairing damaged cell tissues, usually making these treatments minimally invasive.
The applications of laser technology have expanded significantly over time. Initially focused on scar repair, the technology now encompasses a wide range of aesthetic treatments, including acne removal, hair removal, skin rejuvenation, and intimate beauty treatments. Key procedures in this domain include picosecond lasers, fractional lasers, and laser hair removal.
Reflecting the growing demand and broadening applications of laser technology in the medical aesthetics field, the market size in China has shown impressive growth. In 2020, the market size for laser medical aesthetic devices in China was valued at 1.37 billion Yuan. This figure is expected to reach 2.20 billion Yuan by 2025, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.9%. This growth trajectory underscores the increasing popularity and adoption of laser-based aesthetic treatments in China, driven by their efficacy, expanding range of applications, and technological advancements in the field.
This pie chart shows the market share of laser products in China in 2020. (open source data)
