Latest news with #FortuneBusinessInsights
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
AI-Driven Cybersecurity Boom Makes These 3 Stocks Worth Buying
An updated edition of the June 9, 2025 article. Cybersecurity has shifted from being just an IT task to a major business priority. With companies facing constant cyberattacks, from ransomware to phishing schemes to major data breaches, the stakes are high. Cyberattacks don't just disrupt operations. They can lead to major financial losses and lasting brand damage. Given the rising risks, it's clear why cybersecurity has become one of the fastest-growing industries. Fortune Business Insights expects the global cybersecurity market to grow from $193.73 billion in 2024 to $562.72 billion by 2032 — a strong CAGR of 14.3%. Fueling this growth are stricter regulations, more complex IT systems and the need to guard sensitive data. Companies like Palo Alto Networks PANW, Zscaler ZS and CrowdStrike CRWD are already capitalizing on this trend by delivering advanced tools designed to tackle modern threats. Today's attacks are smarter and faster than ever, and traditional security tools are falling behind. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) comes in. AI can analyze vast volumes of data and detect potential threats before they escalate. It shifts cybersecurity from reactive to proactive. The pace at which threats emerge means companies need to automate their detection and response processes, and AI is the most promising way to do that. Companies like CyberArk CYBR, Fortinet FTNT and Okta OKTA are leaning heavily into AI. They're upgrading their platforms to detect and respond to threats more quickly and intelligently. This not only makes their products more valuable to customers but also gives them a stronger position in a fast-growing industry. Our Cybersecurity Screen makes it easy to identify high-potential stocks at any given time, just like the four mentioned above. Leveraging advanced tools, our thematic screens identify companies shaping the future, making it easier to capitalize on emerging trends. Ready to uncover more transformative thematic investment ideas? Explore 30 cutting-edge investment themes with Zacks Thematic Screens and discover your next big opportunity. 3 Cybersecurity Stocks to Buy CyberArk specializes in offering identity security solutions. It is strategically leveraging AI to strengthen its leadership in the identity security space. Its new Secure AI Agent solution directly addresses the risks posed by AI-driven machine identities, positioning the company at the forefront of protecting both human and non-human access. With AI agents proliferating across enterprise environments, CyberArk's unified platform offers critical capabilities like AI-specific discovery, privilege controls, lifecycle automation and governance. These innovations, combined with its acquisitions of Venafi and Zilla, are enhancing CyberArk's ability to consolidate identity solutions and drive multi-product adoption. As organizations move toward agentic AI and machine identity management, CyberArk is uniquely positioned to deliver end-to-end identity security. This strategic focus on AI is not only improving this Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company's customer value proposition but also expanding its addressable market and supporting sustainable long-term revenue growth. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Fortinet is a global leader in network security, offering a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity solutions, including next-generation firewalls, endpoint security and AI-driven threat intelligence. Unlike many of its competitors, Fortinet differentiates itself by providing high-performance security solutions at a lower cost, making it an attractive choice for enterprises looking for cost-efficient cybersecurity solutions. The company's FortiAI platform employs deep learning to automate threat detection and response, reducing the time it takes to identify and neutralize cyber threats. Fortinet has also integrated AI-driven analytics into its FortiGuard Security Services, enhancing its predictive threat intelligence capabilities. Fortinet stands out for its strong financial performance, consistently delivering profitability and robust free cash flow. Its expanding market share reflects the growing demand for its AI-enhanced security solutions, particularly among enterprises seeking high-performance protection at competitive pricing. With a solid balance sheet and continued investment in AI-driven security innovations, this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company remains a compelling choice for investors looking to capitalize on cybersecurity's long-term growth. Okta specializes in identity and access management, helping enterprises ensure that the right users have access to the right resources. The company is significantly ramping up its AI capabilities to stay ahead in the evolving cybersecurity landscape, particularly as digital identities become more complex with the rise of machine agents and generative AI. Its latest innovation, Identity Threat Protection with Okta AI, integrates machine learning and behavioral analytics to assess identity risks in real time. This solution continuously monitors user behavior, device context and login patterns to proactively detect and mitigate threats, allowing enterprises to enforce adaptive access policies that respond dynamically to risk signals. Okta's focus on protecting non-human identities (NHIs) and developers building secure agents is noteworthy. NHIs include service accounts, shared accounts, machines and tokens, and often operate outside traditional identity governance frameworks and can leave organizations vulnerable to security risks. Identity Security Posture Management and Okta Privileged Access help solve the vulnerabilities related to NHIs. OKTA exited the first quarter of fiscal 2026 with approximately 20,000 customers. Customers with more than $100,000 in Annual Contract Value increased 7% year over year to 4,870. The company's growing traction with Fortune 500 clients and expanding total addressable market make this Zacks Rank #2 stock a compelling long-term bet. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Fortinet, Inc. (FTNT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW) : Free Stock Analysis Report CyberArk Software Ltd. (CYBR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Okta, Inc. (OKTA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Zscaler, Inc. (ZS) : Free Stock Analysis Report CrowdStrike (CRWD) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Explained: Biostimulants that aid plant growth, now under the Centre's scrutiny
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan last week wrote to Chief Ministers of all states to immediately stop the 'forced tagging' of nano-fertilisers or biostimulants along with conventional fertilisers. Chouhan highlighted complaints that retailers are not selling subsidised fertilisers like urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP) to farmers unless they purchase biostimulants. He also said that many farmers had recently raised complaints about the inefficacy of biostimulants. 'It is necessary to review biostimulants thoroughly to see how much benefit the farmers are getting from it; if not, then permission to sell it cannot be given,' he said. The substances stimulate physiological processes in plants and help enhance the yield from a harvest. Plant-derived waste materials and seaweed extracts are at times used in their production. Officially, the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985, which regulates the manufacturing and sale of biostimulants, defines it as 'a substance or microorganism or a combination of both whose primary function when applied to plants, seeds or rhizosphere is to stimulate physiological processes in plants and to enhance its nutrient uptake, growth, yield, nutrition efficiency, crop quality and tolerance to stress… but does not include pesticides or plant growth regulators which are regulated under the Insecticide Act, 1968.' Market research firm Fortune Business Insights noted, 'The India biostimulants market size was valued at USD 355.53 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 410.78 million in 2025 to USD 1,135.96 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.64% during the forecast period.' Chouhan said that around 30,000 biostimulant products had been sold unchecked for several years, and even in the last four years, around 8,000 products remained in circulation. 'After I enforced stricter checks, the number has now come down to approximately 650,' he said in a statement on July 15. As biostimulants did not fall under the existing fertiliser or pesticide categories, they were sold in the open market without government approval for a long time. In India, fertilisers and pesticides are governed by the 1985 Fertiliser Control Order and the Insecticides Act of 1968, respectively. The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare issues the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO) under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and makes changes to it from time to time. However, in 2011, the Punjab and Haryana High Court made an observation. Any manufacturer producing a bioproduct claiming to be a substitute for insecticides or fertiliser, but not covered under the rules, was to apply to the respective Director General of Agriculture, in the case of Haryana and Punjab. This paved the way for states to take samples of these products and check them before allowing their sale to farmers. As the sale of biostimulants increased over the years, it caught the Centre's attention. In 2017, NITI Aayog, the government's premier think tank, and the Agriculture Ministry started working on a framework for biostimulants. Finally, in February 2021, the ministry amended the 1985 FCO and included biostimulants, paving the way for their regulated manufacturing, sale and import. The inclusion of biostimulants empowered the Central government to fix specifications. The FCO classified biostimulants specified in Schedule VI of the FCO in eight categories, including botanical extracts (as well as seaweed extracts), bio-chemicals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Every manufacturer or importer of a biostimulant shall make an application to the Controller of Fertilisers along with the requisite product information. The product's chemistry, source (natural extracts of plant/microbe/animal/synthetic), shelf-life, reports of bio-efficacy trials, and toxicity must be submitted, along with other data. The five basic acute toxicity tests are: (i) Acute oral (Rat) (ii) Acute dermal (Rat) (iii) Acute Inhalation (Rat) (iv) Primary skin Irritation (Rabbit) (v) Eye irritation (Rabbit) The four eco-toxicity tests are: (i) Toxicity to birds (ii) Toxicity to Fish (Freshwater) (iii) Toxicity to honeybees (iv) Toxicity to earthworm The FCO clearly states that no biostimulant shall contain any pesticide beyond the permissible limit of 0.01ppm. Further, agronomic bio-efficiency trials shall be conducted under the National Agricultural Research System, including the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and state agricultural universities. 'Bio-efficacy trials shall be conducted at minimum three different doses for one season at three agro-ecological locations,' it states. Additionally, on April 9, 2021, the agriculture ministry constituted the Central Biostimulant Committee for five years, with the Agriculture Commissioner as its Chairperson and seven other members. Under the FCO, it shall advise the Centre on: (i) inclusion of a new biostimulant; (ii) specifications of various biostimulants; (iii) methods of drawing of samples and its analysis; (iv) minimum requirements of laboratory; (v) method of testing of biostimulants; (vi) any other matter referred to it by the central government. According to the FCO order, amended in 2021, manufacturers could make and sell biostimulants for two years if they made an application for provisional registration. Sources say that the Agriculture Ministry kept extending the two-year deadline, which allowed most of the manufacturers as of 2021 to continue making and selling biostimulants based on provisional registration. Whereas, under the regular registration, companies have to submit testing protocols to the government. On March 17, in the latest extension of the provisional certificate facility, the ministry allowed biostimulants' sale for three months until June 16. It applied to all companies manufacturing or importing a biostimulant as of March 17, for which no standards were specified. With the March 17 notification having expired, the companies having provisional certificates and stocks of biostimulants cannot sell their products in the market now, said a source. In addition to this, the Agriculture Ministry notified 'Specifications of Biostimulants' on May 26 for several crops, including tomato, chilli, cucumber, paddy, brinjal, cotton, potato, green gram, grape, hot pepper, soybean, maize, and onion. Harikishan Sharma, Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express' National Bureau, specializes in reporting on governance, policy, and data. He covers the Prime Minister's Office and pivotal central ministries, such as the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Rural Development, and Ministry of Jal Shakti. His work primarily revolves around reporting and policy analysis. In addition to this, he authors a weekly column titled "STATE-ISTICALLY SPEAKING," which is prominently featured on The Indian Express website. In this column, he immerses readers in narratives deeply rooted in socio-economic, political, and electoral data, providing insightful perspectives on these critical aspects of governance and society. ... Read More
Zawya
16-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Global smart building market to hit $252bln in 2025, says report
The global market for smart buildings is set to grow by at least 21.8% this year, reaching between $117 billion and $252 billion, thanks to the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced data analytics systems, as well as other technologies, according to Xylem Vue, a secure, integrated and agnostic software and analytics platform. Urban sustainability is steaming ahead globally thanks to the revolution in smart buildings and district heating and cooling (DHC) networks, which aim to streamline resource and energy management in cities. The uptake of technologies such as integrated digital platforms is pivotal to optimizing these systems. Smart buildings continue to redefine efficient resource use and sustainability, it stated. In 2025, the global market is estimated to soar with a compound annual growth rate of between 21.8% and 29.7% (Fortune Business Insights) in core segments such as energy management and security. According to Xylem Vue, this increase is linked to the deployment of technologies such as AI, IoT and advanced data analytics tools. These buildings, which are equipped with information and communication technology-based systems, require integrated digital platforms to manage multiple assets in real time and monitor their performance, from boosting energy efficiency to optimizing the operations of a range of systems, such as lighting, parking, and air conditioning. These emerging solutions for smart buildings include digital twins and energy management systems that optimize resource use and predict maintenance needs, it stated. According to Beatriz Bolonio, Solutions Selling Buildings & Industry at Xylem Vue, combining data via integrated platforms is transforming energy efficiency and paving the way for sustainable cities. These tools help to increase efficiency and reduce operating costs in commercial buildings, which will continue to lead the market with a 53% share in 2025. DHC networks are gaining ground in smart cities In addition, digital platforms are also becoming crucial in efficiently managing thermal energy distribution, as they enable the integration of various renewable energy sources and real-time adaptation to heating and cooling needs in different buildings. According to Xylem Vue, "Platforms are constantly monitored to optimize energy flow, improve operational efficiency, and ensure a rapid response to fluctuations in demand." This year, district heating and cooling (DHC) networks are gaining ground as a solution for reducing emissions and boosting energy efficiency, 'by integrating more and more renewable sources and waste energy recovery systems, thus promoting circular models, stated Xylem Vue. In addition, the benefits of DHC networks include a smaller operational footprint and reduced maintenance costs, positioning them as a key component of smart cities.- TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
From owning to accessing: How Hype Luxury captures global high-end travel
The whisper of a private jet, the roar of a supercar, the gentle sway of a yacht at sea, these are no longer far-off dreams, but part of a fast-changing reality in the booming world of luxury. Expected to reach nearly USD 4.8 trillion globally by 2032, the luxury market is transforming, moving away from tradition and leaning into personalised, digital-first experiences, especially among India's rising class of affluent consumers. At the heart of this shift is Hype Luxury , a digital-first platform that's redefining how the world experiences high-end travel. With on-demand access to an impressive global fleet, 21,000 private jets, 34,000 luxury cars, 18,000 helicopters, and 2,300 yachts, Hype Luxury turns elite mobility into a seamless, concierge-driven experience. With a 73 percent repeat customer rate, the brand is now setting its sights on bold expansion across the Middle East and Europe. Nirvik Singh , a seasoned global business leader, has recently joined as chairman of Hype Luxury. In a recent conversation, Singh spoke about how luxury is shifting from ownership to access, driven by a new generation that values personalisation , technology, and sustainability. In India, he noted, high-net-worth individuals are increasingly digitally savvy and globally minded, seeking luxury that's effortless, exclusive, and always at their fingertips. Edited Excerpts: What are the key growth trends you're observing in luxury mobility both in India and globally, and how will Hype Luxury leverage these specific trends for its expansion? Globally, luxury mobility is transitioning from ownership models to curated access. According to Fortune Business Insights , the global luxury travel market was valued at USD 2,509.71 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4,827.68 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.56%. Allied Market Research data shows the market valued at $890.8 billion in 2023, projected to reach $2149.7 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 7.4%. This signals a growing demand for premium, seamless travel experiences that are personal, tech-enabled, and sustainable. In India, we're seeing a rise in digital-first, globally influenced Indian HNIs who want luxury experiences that are frictionless and meaningful, contributing to this global growth trajectory. Hype Luxury is positioned to scale within this context, serving the new-age global consumer with an integrated ecosystem across luxury cars, private jets, and yachts. Our approach combines high-touch service with digital agility, across key regions like India, the UAE, the UK, and Europe. What will be the core pillars of Hype Luxury's marketing and advertising strategy to reach your global UHNWI clientele and effectively communicate your unique value proposition across private jets, supercars, and yachts? Hype Luxury's marketing is designed around precision and discretion. For our UHNWI audience, we rely on curated storytelling, high-trust digital platforms and strategic media partnerships. Every element of our communication reflects exclusivity, ease, and purpose. Rather than mass campaigns, our focus is on high-value content placements, CXO influencer advocacy, and B2B2C partnerships with top-tier luxury brands, hospitality groups, and financial institutions. The intent is to stay top-of-mind without being loud—to always feel accessible, never advertised. Hype Luxury operates across private jets, supercars, and yachts – could you provide a breakdown of how each segment contributes to your overall revenues, and elaborate on the growth trajectory you're observing for each of these categories specifically in the Indian market, compared to other global markets? In India, luxury cars are currently our highest revenue contributor, accounting for nearly 80 percent of our domestic business. There's a strong and growing demand from high-net-worth individuals for curated, premium experiences, especially around weddings, corporate events, and executive travel. This demand mirrors global trends in luxury travel, where personalisation and exclusivity are key drivers. What's particularly notable in India is that this demand isn't limited to major metropolitan areas. We're witnessing a significant surge in bookings from tier II and tier III cities, fueled by the rapid expansion of the SME sector and a generational shift. Younger members of affluent families are actively seeking experiential luxury over traditional ownership. Globally, we're seeing faster growth in private jet and yacht bookings—especially in markets like the UAE and UK, where clients are increasingly investing in privacy, safety, and exclusive access. Private jets are our fastest-growing segment overall, while yachts represent the highest value-per-transaction category, particularly in seasonal luxury tourism zones. As Hype scales, we expect India to remain strong in luxury cars, with international markets driving growth across our aviation and nautical verticals. Which markets are currently contributing most to your revenue, and what are your projections for market growth by the end of the year? Currently, UAE and India are contributing similarly, each accounting for approximately 40-45 percent of our business, with Europe at about 10 percent. By the end of this year, we anticipate the European and Middle Eastern businesses combined will surpass the Indian business in revenue contribution. This is because Europe will largely be an aeroplane business, with a higher ticket size, whereas India's market is predominantly cars, which have smaller ticket sizes. The Middle East is a mix of both. We are actively building our senior leadership team in Europe to drive this growth. As a 'digital-first' platform in the luxury sector, what specific digital innovations is Hype Luxury implementing to adapt to ongoing digital transformation and enhance the 'seamless digital experience' for your elite clientele? Hype is designed as a digital-native luxury experience. From intelligent fleet management to predictive pricing and instant concierge bookings, our platform uses AI and machine learning to adapt to each user's preferences. We are integrating real-time availability tracking, geo-fenced service activation, and advanced payment solutions including multi-currency wallets. Our mobile interface is constantly optimized for UX, ensuring that the customer journey—from discovery to review—is seamless, secure, and intuitive. How do you plan to refine and elevate the customer experience (CX) to consistently deliver the seamless, discreet, and personalised luxury that these prominent figures expect from Hype Luxury? Our CX framework is built on three pillars: discretion, customisation, and continuity. Each customer receives access to a dedicated relationship manager who understands their personal style, preferences, and needs. We are introducing tailored packages, direct fleet previews, real-time itinerary assistance, and post-service concierge follow-ups. The objective is not just to meet expectations but to consistently anticipate them. In luxury, it's often the smallest detail that defines the biggest difference. Given your UHNWI clientele and global expansion, how do you balance optimising commissions for growth while keeping them competitive and attractive for luxury access worldwide? Our commission model is dynamic and calibrated for both partner retention and end-client value. We adjust based on asset type, location, peak demand periods, and loyalty metrics. Because our infrastructure is digital and agile, we are able to offer high-value services at competitive margins. This not only keeps our partners incentivized but ensures our pricing remains compelling for HNWIs across markets. Are there any alternative revenue models you are exploring to diversify and enhance Hype Luxury's profitability in the future? Yes, we are actively exploring private memberships, luxury lifestyle subscriptions, and enterprise licensing models. One avenue involves developing white-labeled versions of our tech platform for boutique travel or hospitality partners. We are also looking at strategic affiliate revenue through exclusive partnerships—for instance, curated luxury stays, elite concierge services, and co-branded experiences with global institutions. These models deepen engagement while diversifying revenue without adding fixed asset overhead. In terms of strategic partnerships, what types of alliances are you actively seeking to build that will enhance Hype Luxury's existing 'luxury mobility ecosystem,' and how will these partnerships contribute to both market reach and service innovation? We are seeking partnerships with luxury hospitality brands and fine dining experiences serving UHNWIs, and elite travel advisors. These alliances allow us to offer end-to-end luxury ecosystems—from jet to resort to local chauffeur—on a single digital touchpoint. Additionally, we're exploring partnerships in sustainable mobility and clean energy, which will help evolve our long-term vision of eco-conscious luxury experiences. What is your primary strategic focus as chairman, and what key actions will you take first to drive Hype Luxury's global expansion? My focus is on scaling with intention. The first steps include strengthening operational governance, expanding global leadership, and building deeper cross-market fleet alliances. We're also working to institutionalise the brand through repeatable excellence—ensuring that every new market we enter delivers the same seamless, curated experience that defines Hype Luxury in India. I bring to the table a framework for operational clarity, cultural sensitivity, and strategic momentum that complements the bold founder vision laid out by Raaghav. Together, we're building a brand that isn't just global—but timeless in its relevance.
The Star
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Ahead of other countries': Why everyone is obsessed with Japanese sunscreen
When Hannah Price set out to compare Japanese and Australian sunscreen on YouTube, she wasn't expecting her deep dive into the subject to rack up over two million views. The huge number of people poring over Price's video shows the growing interest in skincare products from Japan, much like the K-beauty phenomenon from South Korea. It includes sun protection, increasingly recognised as a daily essential by influencers who want to shield their skin from ageing and enthuse about the lightweight texture of Japanese brands. Companies that have perfected their secret formulas want to capitalise on booming demand, including by building factories overseas and selling to Japan's record influx of foreign tourists. Price, 32, fell into a "year-long rabbit hole" while making her video, learning about everything from SPF science to cultural attitudes to sun exposure. "I always loved Japanese sunscreen, since I first moved to Japan in 2012," she said, at her studio in Tokyo. "I remember trying it for the first time and thinking, 'this is so much better than anything I tried in Australia'," her home country where sun cream felt "thick, sticky, greasy". "I thought that the video would be popular... but I wasn't expecting it to reach as far" as it did, Price said. The habit of regular sunscreen use is spreading, especially among younger generations, said Takuya Wada, who works in marketing for Japanese chemical and cosmetics firm Kao. "There are no borders when it comes to obtaining information on social media, especially Instagram and TikTok," he said, adding that influencer posts have a "very large" impact on global sunscreen sales. Read more: When it comes to skincare, applying sun protection is simply non-negotiable 'Beautifully white' The global skincare market was worth more than US$115bil (approximately RM487bil) in 2024 and is expected to grow to US$194bil (RM821bil) by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights. A boom in celebrity skincare brands has contributed to the industry's growth – with A-listers like Kylie Jenner using social media to share their beauty routines, including sun protection, with hundreds of millions of followers. When it comes to sunscreen, country-specific regulations mean no single company dominates the field, as the entry barriers to new markets are higher. Kao's main sunscreen brand Biore UV is ranked 10th worldwide for sales, and second in Asia – competing with the likes of L'Oreal and Beiersdorf, and Japanese rivals such as Shiseido. The company wants sales from sun protection to reach ¥35bil (RM1.03bil) in 2027, up 1.6 times from 2023. It plans to boost overseas production by opening three new sunscreen factories, in Indonesia, Brazil and Germany. It is technically difficult to develop formulas that block the rays effectively with a smooth texture, as demanded by Japanese consumers, said Takashi Fukui, research and development director for Kao skincare products. But using scientific know-how to strike this tricky balance is what makes Kao "different from other European or American makers". In Japan, a cultural obsession with light skin dates back to the sixth century and using white powder imported from China later became a status symbol among nobility. Fair skin indicated a life away from outdoor labour and sun exposure, and an old Japanese proverb says "white skin covers the seven flaws". In the 1990s, people began using sunscreen or other cosmetics to avoid tanning – a trend dubbed "bihaku", or beautifully white. These days, Japanese women use sunscreen as everyday protection against sunspots and ageing, caused when UV rays penetrate into the skin, said Fukui. Read more: Fake it until you freckle: The trendy beauty look and how to achieve it Winter sun Tans have long been fashionable in Western countries, but awareness of skin cancer risks is rising, making sunscreen an important healthcare product there, Fukui said. One fan of Japanese brands is Thai skincare influencer Suari Tasanakulpan, who calls them "lightweight" compared to "heavy and uncomfortable" Western offerings. "There are always new technologies and innovative textures that are often ahead of other countries," the 40-year-old, who reviews sunscreens on YouTube, said. At an outlet of drugstore chain MatsukiyoCocokara in Tokyo's Shibuya district, around 90 sunscreen products are lined up on the shelves. "Sales of sunscreen is improving year on year," said Takeshi Otsuki, deputy manager of the chain's cosmetic division. "More people are using sunscreen on a daily basis these days, so their needs are becoming more diverse," he said. The number of male customers is also increasing, and Japanese sunscreens are very popular with overseas tourists who buy them in multipacks, Otsuki said. While summer is high season, sunscreen is popular year-round, because Japan has a "relatively high number of sunny days in the winter, and the sunlight hours are long". Price now uses both Japanese and Australian sunscreen, depending on the occasion. She sees the rise in education about sunscreens worldwide as a win-win situation. It "means you're going to be better protected in general, which is great for everyone", she said. – AFP
