The beauty industry has always been a hotbed of innovation, with companies constantly striving to find new ways to appeal to consumers and meet their ever-changing needs. As technology advances, research and development (R&D) is becoming more critical than ever to stay ahead of the competition and keep up with the top trends in beauty.
In late April, we introduced our whitepaper on what makes R&D so crucial to the UK’s health and beauty industry, and what sources of innovation funding are available in this sector.
The top trends in the beauty industry today tend to fall into 5 categories:
- Personalisation and Customisation
- Sustainability
- AI and AR integration
- Biotechnology and natural ingredients
- Skin microbiome science and probiotics
In today’s Grantica Insights, our R&D experts will take a deeper dive into some of the most exciting innovations in these categories in today’s global beauty market, so you can see for yourself the cutting-edge R&D beauty companies are involved in worldwide, and why increased spending on innovation is essential to the continued success of the UK’s globally recognised beauty companies.
Personalisation and Customisation
One of the most significant trends in the beauty industry is the shift towards personalised and customised products. A key enabler of personalisation/customisation in nearly every industry is 3D printing, which has seen high uptake in the beauty sector.
OPTE (USA) a leader in 3D printing technology, is revolutionising skincare with its Precision Skincare system. This innovative device scans the skin and prints makeup only on blemishes or uneven areas, reducing product waste and providing a flawless finish.
Similarly, AIM Colours (Canada) is taking nail polish to the next level with its ‘smart’ nail varnish. Using 3D printing, users can create customised nail designs at home, opening up a world of creativity and personal expression that would have been impossible to imagine in the not-too-distant past.
Sustainable and Eco-friendly Solutions
As consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact, the beauty industry is responding with sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. A key way to achieve this is through the development of cosmetics that generate less waste or use less water, or by recycling waste products into cosmetic packaging or even products.
Loli Beauty (USA) is leading the way in zero-waste, waterless cosmetics. By eliminating water from its formulations and using recyclable packaging, Loli Beauty has dramatically reduced the environmental footprint of its products.
Mi Terro (USA), another pioneer in the sustainable beauty space, is upcycling food waste into biodegradable packaging materials. Their innovative process diverts waste from landfills while creating a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic packaging.
AI and AR Integration
Artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) are transforming how consumers shop for and experience beauty products. Many UK readers will have experienced major legacy brand Clinique (USA)’s AR virtual try-on solution for themselves in Boots!
In the field of AI, Wewell (Czechia) is leveraging AI to provide cosmetics quality analysis, helping consumers make informed decisions about the products they use. Their cutting-edge technology analyses ingredient lists and provides easy-to-understand product safety and effectiveness information.
Biotechnology and Natural Ingredients
With many customers becoming wary of man-made chemical solutions, there is a significant trend toward all-natural skincare. Biotechnology advancements have enabled companies to develop innovative natural ingredients for beauty products.
Redox Biotechnology (South Korea) recently harnessed the power of what it calls ‘nanobubble calcium mineral cosmetics,’ offering a unique approach to skin rejuvenation.
Geltor (USA), a biotech company, has developed a lab-grown collagen. By producing cruelty-free, vegan collagen through fermentation, Geltor provides a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional animal-derived collagen.
Skin Microbiome Science and Probiotics
An increased understanding of the skin’s microbiome has led to the development of products that nurture and support its delicate balance.
Mother Dirt (USA)’s live probiotic skincare range is designed to restore the skin’s natural ecosystem, promoting overall skin health.
Gallinée (UK) is developing products that specifically target the skin’s microbiome. Their formulations include prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to nourish and protect the skin, promoting a healthy and radiant complexion.
What Do These Beauty Industry Trends Tell Us?
These top trending innovations in the beauty market show that, now more than ever, R&D has a critical role to play in driving the industry forward.
The UK historically lags behind Europe on R&D and innovation spending. But in beauty, as in many industries, consumer demands are evolving and investment in R&D is essential for businesses to stay competitive and capitalise on new opportunities.
Ready to learn more about the importance of R&D and its role in the UK health and beauty industry? Read our free whitepaper.