The pandemic had a massive impact on the beauty industry as consumers became more frugal and used fewer cosmetics. Paragon also noticed consumers' skin sensitivity increased due to various factors such as more exposure to sunlight owing to a rise in exercise activity, as well as frequent use of hand sanitisers. Paragon had to re-evaluate its strategy to ensure it was creating products that addressed the changing needs of its consumers.

Inspired by WGSN insights and trend forecasts, Paragon launched a new line, LABORÉ, that caters to people with sensitive skin living in a tropical environment. The Ingredients Forecast guided its team to focus on ingredients that work with the skin’s microbiome. It invested heavily on microbiome technology, ensuring its products are backed by science. It also launched the Wardah sunscreen in stick format after reading WGSN reports outlining innovative sunscreen formats.

WGSN’s Generations reports also guided Paragon on how to communicate to Gen Z, which helped with its successful launch of Emina’s lip products to teens. Despite challenges in the beauty industry during the pandemic, tapping on WGSN reports helped Emina attract a key consumer segment.