Lo Mei incorporates moisturizing glycerin in its lipstick, including this coral model. The product weighs 4g.

This manufacturing hub boasts of products that moisturize and smoothen skin while also being environment-friendly.

Taiwan makers of cosmetics and skin care products aim to boost competitiveness by releasing value-added models with natural ingredients. To achieve this, they are conducting continuous research, relying on the island's expertise in pharmaceutics and biotechnology.

While optimistic that exports will remain strong in 2008, the island's estimated 410 suppliers are also expecting stronger competition from counterparts in mainland China and Indonesia. Some customers have already opted to work with companies in these areas that offer lower overhead. Japan's Shiseido is one such client.

To cope, Taiwan makers, which offer models at all price points, are cooperating with local research institutions funded by the government.

Suppliers work with the Fisheries Research Institute in developing skin care cream that contains algae, an antioxidant said to fight free radicals. Fish collagen in anti-aging cream likewise moisturizes and tightens skin.

Pearl essence from fish scales gives a shimmering, lip-plumping feature to lipstick.

Companies are adopting locally sourced seaweed for facial masks, moisturizer and soap. Also containing antioxidants, the component improves skin elasticity and softness.

Further, it can be used for spa treatments and slimming cream. Seaweed has iodine that can help burn body fat and reduce cellulite.

For moisturizing lipstick, lotion, soap and shaving cream, suppliers adopt glycerin. This element helps keep skin soft and smooth.

Makers also incorporate oryzanol, which comes from rice bran oil, in lipstick and sunscreen. This ingredient is said to protect against UV rays and slow down melanin production, resulting to fairer skin.

Arbutin is another skin-whitening agent. Derived from pear peelings, it is used to help lighten under-eye circles.

Taiwan suppliers are also developing models with cucumber extracts, which can smoothen skin. With their cooling effect, these are added to eye cream to soothe the sensitive skin around the eyes, thereby reducing wrinkles. Cucumber is an active element in facial masks, cream and toner.

The Agricultural Research Institute is helping companies develop rice soap. The environment-friendly models can cleanse the skin without causing dryness.

Bath soap and gel, and shampoo made of rice are also being cultivated.

To moisturize skin, makers add shea butter to cream and lotion for the face and body. The UV-protective ingredient can also be used to soothe tired muscles, burns and sores.

Aside from in-house inspections, finished products have to undergo testing by Taiwan's Department of Health. In addition, the government requires cosmetic packaging to reflect the materials and ingredients used for the products.

Among the suppliers interviewed for this report, Taiyen Biotech Co. Ltd is an ISO 9001:2000-certified maker of color cosmetics and skin care products. The company incorporates fish collagen in its concealer, powder foundation and eye shadow.

Taiyen also offers exfoliating facial and body wash with natural sea salt.

Exports go mainly to North America and Europe. The company's in-house brands include Bathmate and Lu-Miel.

At Lo Mei Cosmetics Enterprise Co. Ltd, makeup and moisturizing cream also contain collagen from fish. The company exports mainly to the US, the UK, Italy and Australia. Wet 'n' Wild in the US is one if its clients.

Sofnon International Co. Ltd offers sunscreen with a rating of SPF 50 for protection against UVA and UVB rays. It also makes slimming cream that contains seaweed.

Other designs include whitening facial masks, and anti-acne and exfoliating cream. Models have vitamins E and C, which are derived from cherries. These are exported under the in-house Tsaio brand.

Sofnon follows ISO 9001:2001 guidelines in production.

At K&T Biotech Application Inc., R&D is focused on moisturizing cream and lotion that are also aromatherapeutic.

Among the company's best-sellers is facial cream with anti-aging and wrinkle-diminishing properties.

Biotechnology Co. Ltd offers skin care products in travel-size sets. Designed for seven-day use, models include cleansing wash and moisturizer for the face and body. These are contained in 30g bottles and packed in a transparent zipped kit.

Europe and the US are the company's main markets.