The cosmetics industry faced major challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a decline in product sales. However, there were rapid advancements in the integration of technologies that have transformed manufacturing processes, customer interactions, and product marketing in the industry. Moreover, your shopping habits have significantly changed—you now prefer online and mobile services over traditional purchases. This discussion provides you with a comprehensive overview of the latest global trends in the cosmetics industry, including eco-friendly cosmetics, holistic beauty, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology. Read on to learn more about the latest beauty tech trends that are reshaping and redefining the cosmetics industry.
Innovation Map Shows You the 10 Most Important Cosmetic Trends and 20 Promising Startups
Our extensive research on the latest beauty tech trends and startups in the cosmetics industry has analyzed 2,484 startups and scale-ups globally. This data-driven approach has provided us with valuable innovation insights that can enhance your strategic decision-making. Our research offers you an overview of new technologies and startups in the cosmetics industry, leveraging the power of our Big Data and AI-based StartUs Insights Discovery Platform. With access to a database of over 2.5 million startups and scale-ups worldwide, our SaaS platform is the largest resource for data on emerging businesses. It enables you to efficiently and comprehensively identify relevant startups, new technologies, and future industry trends.
The innovation map below provides you with a comprehensive overview of the 10 most important global cosmetic trends and innovations impacting over 2,400 companies. Additionally, the Cosmetics Technology Innovation Map highlights 18 selected startups working on new technologies that are revolutionizing the cosmetics industry.
Tree Map Shows the Impact of the 10 Most Important Cosmetic Trends
The tree map below, based on the Cosmetics Innovation Map, illustrates the impact of the latest beauty tech trends in 2023. Green Cosmetics aims to provide you with sustainable skincare solutions by minimizing resource use in production and using environmentally friendly ingredients. Trends in immersive beauty and personalized care focus on strengthening your customer relationships through individualized experiences. The anti-aging and rejuvenation trend introduces you to innovative solutions to prevent skin aging and reduce the visibility of wrinkles. Blockchain technology promotes transparency in your cosmetics supply chain. Additionally, 3D printing and AI-based solutions offer you efficient production methods by enabling demand-driven manufacturing and reducing the risks of overstock.
The Global Startup Heat Map Includes 2,484 Cosmetics Startups and Scaleups
In the realm of the latest beauty technologies, the global beauty and cosmetics industry has experienced a remarkable surge in innovation and entrepreneurship. To capture this trend, we have carefully created a global startup heat map that includes 2,484 cosmetics startups and scale-ups.
This heat map provides a comprehensive overview of the startup landscape in the beauty and cosmetics industry and offers detailed insights into emerging players across various regions worldwide. The map is based on data from the StartUs Insights platform, which meticulously tracks startup and innovation activity across multiple industries.
The heat map includes startups and scale-ups in skincare, haircare, makeup, fragrances, and body care, covering a wide range of products and services in the cosmetics space. Additionally, the startups are categorized by stage, funding status, and innovation focus, allowing users to filter data and gain valuable insights into specific industry segments.
The heat map reveals that North America is the most active region for cosmetics startups and scale-ups, with an impressive 1,106 companies. Europe closely follows with 733 startups, while Asia is strongly represented with 474 startups. Numerous cosmetics startups are also present in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.
Furthermore, the heat map provides valuable insights into prevailing trends and themes driving innovation in the cosmetics industry. One prominent trend is the increasing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness, with numerous startups developing environmentally conscious products using natural or organic ingredients.
Additionally, technology plays a crucial role in enhancing product effectiveness and personalization. Many cosmetics startups leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop customized products tailored to the individual needs of each customer. This integration of technology enables a personalized and bespoke beauty experience, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Overall, the Global Startup Heat Map for cosmetics is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the current state of innovation in the beauty and cosmetics industry. It offers insights into emerging players, trends, and challenges in the sector and highlights the potential for continued growth and development in the coming years.
The 10 Most Important Cosmetic Trends in 2023
1. Green Cosmetics
In the latest beauty technologies, companies are becoming increasingly aware of their production processes and your growing demand for sustainability. To meet this challenge, startups are at the forefront of developing innovative products that use naturally derived ingredients. The use of such ingredients can significantly reduce the release of harmful chemicals into the environment during manufacturing. Additionally, startups are exploring alternative packaging solutions such as plant-based materials to minimize your waste and environmental impact. Ingredient upcycling is also gaining importance, as startups reuse ingredients to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Detoxie produces anti-pollution skincare.
Detoxie, an Indian startup, is making waves with its innovative skincare approach. The company focuses on developing anti-stress and anti-pollution products that protect your hair and skin from damage. A key ingredient in Detoxie's cosmetic production is matcha, known for its high levels of chlorophyll and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This powerful compound plays an important role in protecting your skin from harmful sun exposure and reducing signs of aging such as wrinkles and sunspots. Additionally, Detoxie's skincare line provides protection from impurities and environmental chemicals that can negatively affect your skin. Through its commitment to using the latest beauty technologies, Detoxie is revolutionizing the industry and offering effective solutions for maintaining healthy, vibrant skin.
DEW MIGHTY develops sustainable refillable skincare
DEW MIGHTY is a U.S.-based startup that produces dermatologically tested, sustainable, and refillable skincare products. These skincare products contain undiluted ingredients effective for all skin types and are packaged in sturdy containers that are easy to refill. The startup’s solution helps reduce the impact of plastic pollution.
2. Immersive Beauty
Cosmetic startups are adopting immersive technologies such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) to enhance your customer experience and engagement. Through the use of AR, startups provide personalized virtual makeup try-on solutions that allow you to make quicker purchase decisions. AR and VR technologies also support virtual stores and shopping tours, making it easier for you to buy products. Moreover, these technologies are revolutionizing the way brands showcase their products.
GlamAR develops a virtual makeup try-on platform.
The Indian startup GlamAR offers a virtual platform where you can try on makeup products such as lipstick, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and blush, and adjust their shades and intensity. This technology helps you make quicker purchase decisions and increases customer engagement. The startup is also working on a touchless virtual mirror for in-store try-ons. GlamAR’s innovative solutions provide marketing and sales benefits for cosmetic brands.
ForYou offers personalized skincare routines.
The UK-based startup ForYou has developed a personalized skincare app that uses augmented reality (AR) to analyze your skin type and wrinkles. Leveraging big data and artificial intelligence (AI), the app creates a personalized skincare routine based on your skin and face type, which can then be tracked over time. The app combines facial massage, anti-aging skincare, and lifting exercises for optimal results. ForYou’s solution uses AR technology to deliver a unique and comprehensive personalized skincare experience.
3. Personalized Care
Cosmetic startups are increasingly focusing on personalized solutions to boost customer engagement. By leveraging data science and AI, these startups can identify suitable formulas and treatments for you, offering a tailor-made experience. Some startups are developing cosmetic products with modified allergens that avoid ingredients causing sensitivity, reactions, or acne, thus preventing allergic responses. Additionally, DNA-based skincare is gaining popularity as a hyper-personalized beauty solution tailored to your genetic profile.
BASE manufactures personalized cosmetics
The UK-based startup BASE develops personalized cosmetics using natural and scientifically backed ingredients tailored to your skin type. The startup combines machine learning and data analytics to formulate customized, fragrance-free, sustainable, and vegan skincare products that meet your specific needs. Moreover, the company reduces ingredient waste by predicting inventory requirements.
PerfumeTech develops smart perfumes
Slovenian startup PerfumeTech creates smart perfume bottles with touch-triggers that allow you to apply fragrance. These bottles can be controlled via a mobile app, enabling you to adjust the scent or spray intensity. This innovation also allows brands to monitor your usage and offer refills when bottles are empty, improving customer satisfaction and convenience.
4. Anti-Aging & Rejuvenation
As you age, your skin becomes more vulnerable to various issues such as collagen loss and skin infections. Therefore, the demand for anti-aging cosmetics that help slow the visible signs of aging continues to grow. The cosmetics industry is also embracing the growing trend of anti-stress skincare: startups are developing cosmetic products that help prevent skin aging caused by daily stress. These products work by reducing stress-related skin inflammation. Additionally, some startups are working on skincare solutions that use stem cells or microbiomes to rejuvenate the skin. These are some of the latest innovations in the skincare industry.
GENTLE & ROSE produces anti-aging cosmetics
Bulgarian startup GENTLE & ROSE specializes in developing anti-aging cosmetics. By combining natural plant extracts with biotechnology, the startup offers a range of skincare products that combat dehydration, pollution, toxins, UV radiation, and collagen loss. These cosmetics reduce the depth of your wrinkles and the roughness of your skin while increasing hydration and enhancing your skin’s natural glow.
Nuebiome produces microbiome skincare
Jamaican startup Nuebiome creates skincare cosmetics that focus on the skin’s microbiome. Their products contain nutrient-rich bioferments that combine prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to hydrate your skin and restore its smoothness. The startup formulates these with high-potency botanical extracts in an optimal pH environment that supports your skin’s microbiome, increases hydration, and preserves the enzymes, vitamins, and nutrients needed to maintain the skin’s barrier function. This sustainable solution is designed to improve your skin’s overall health and appearance.
5. Smart Skin Analysis
Startups are using innovative skin analysis solutions to help you identify various skin concerns such as uneven skin tone and acne. These solutions often incorporate technologies like AI, cross-polarized UV lighting, and 3D imaging to provide detailed skin assessments. Devices such as skin analyzers and smart mirrors can measure your skin’s moisture levels, manage your skin condition, and detect signs of aging. Skincare apps can also support these devices by using your mobile phone’s built-in camera to give you insights into your skin’s condition.
CatchMD develops a skin diagnostic device for you
U.S.-based startup CatchMD offers a portable AI-powered skin diagnostic device. The handheld device provides over 10 metrics and uses various light filters to highlight skin features such as pores and wrinkles. The solution delivers real-time data, facilitates client engagement, and can detect major skin issues and lesions that are not visible to the naked eye. CatchMD’s solution is used in medical spas, plastic surgery, and dermatology clinics.
SQIN offers skin health monitoring
German startup SQIN has developed an AI-powered app that monitors and treats various dermatological issues. This sophisticated app allows you to receive personalized skincare advice by submitting a skin analysis to a professional dermatologist. Additionally, the app includes several trackers, such as a water intake tracker to monitor your hydration, a to-do list for your daily skincare routine, and tailored nutrition recommendations to support your skin health. SQIN also provides the option to access medical-grade skincare products upon prescription by a licensed healthcare provider.
6. Cruelty-Free Cosmetics
The trend toward cruelty-free cosmetics, driven by you and other conscious consumers, has gained significant traction in the beauty industry. In response, startups are exploring innovative technologies to produce cosmetic products without animal testing. The use of vegan cosmetic formulations by brands is one approach to creating clean beauty products that benefit your skin and reduce the risk of allergic reactions and inflammation. This benefits you as a consumer and supports the production of cruelty-free cosmetics.
Halal Beauty offers halal-certified cosmetics for you
U.S.-based startup Halal Beauty specializes in producing cosmetics made from halal-certified, cruelty-free, and natural ingredients. This means their products are free from substances derived from sources such as blood, pigs, human body parts, predators, reptiles, insects, and alcohol. The brand’s solutions represent a safer, more environmentally friendly, and more sustainable alternative to conventional cosmetics.
SQIN ZERO develops vegan cosmetic formulations for you
Swiss startup SQIN ZERO focuses on creating eco-friendly, vegan cosmetic formulations. Taking a minimalist approach, the company uses only essential ingredients in its products. This strategy ensures that your skin efficiently absorbs the active ingredients in the cosmetics. The company also contributes to sustainability by using recyclable and reusable materials. Additionally, the startup plants a tree for every order to further promote its environmental efforts.
7. Blockchain Beauty
Understanding the composition of cosmetics is crucial in the industry. One way to securely record product information and purchasing behavior is through blockchain technology. This cutting-edge solution offers cosmetic brands a cryptographically secure method to ensure supply chain traceability and product authenticity. Moreover, companies now offer “crypto-cosmetics” and digital reproductions of their most popular items using non-fungible tokens (NFTs). With these approaches, blockchain technology contributes to transparency in the cosmetics sector while also opening creative opportunities for customer engagement.
Skinfo provides ingredient transparency for you
Swedish startup Skinfo has developed widgets that provide transparency about the ingredients in cosmetic products. The startup uses scientific data to explain the components of skincare and beauty products, helping you make informed decisions about the products you use. By offering insights into the function, skin effects, concerns, vitamin highlights, botanical names, and origins of ingredients, Skinfo enhances transparency in the cosmetics industry and helps build trust between customers and beauty brands.
AFTS develops a cosmetic tracking platform for you
German startup AFTS has created a platform for tracking cosmetics using blockchain technology. The platform helps companies measure the sustainability of their supply chains, allowing them to trace the impact of the ingredients they use and ensure ethical and sustainable sourcing practices. By promoting transparency and traceability, this solution strengthens consumer trust in the cosmetics industry.
8. 3D Printing
You have introduced 3D printing in the cosmetics industry to revolutionize various aspects of your production process, from product design to packaging. The technology enables a higher level of customization that benefits both you as a brand and your consumers. Some startups have even developed solutions that allow you to 3D-print cosmetics directly onto surfaces. This personalized approach reduces waste and enables you to precisely meet your customers’ needs. Additionally, you are transforming cosmetic packaging through 3D printing technology, enabling creative and individualized solutions.
OPTE advances precision skincare
OPTE, a U.S.-based startup, has developed a makeup skincare printer that scans your skin for discoloration, dark spots, age spots, and sunspots by analyzing captured skin images. The printer then applies a skin-enhancing layer of pure ingredients that instantly corrects the appearance of spots and prevents the formation of new ones. This solution represents a major advancement in precision skincare, allowing you to perform highly individualized treatments and create a more balanced skin barrier with less irritation.
AIM Colours produces smart nail polish
Canadian startup AIM Colours has developed an innovative and customizable nail polish technology. The company offers press-on nails made from ultra-thin, low-power display screens that are visible under direct sunlight without the need for a battery. You can use the startup’s mobile app to customize the color or nail art. This technology reduces your time and waste from traditional nail polish, avoids solvent exposure, and helps reduce microplastic waste.
9. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing your cosmetics industry in many ways. It improves the manufacturing processes of beauty products, accelerates your customer analysis and communication, and enables virtual product testing. You use natural language processing (NLP) to develop intelligent digital assistants for better customer engagement. Predictive analytics provides you with demand forecasts and supports the development of new products by analyzing a combination of factors such as weather or seasonality. Additionally, AI-powered solutions speed up the discovery of new cosmetic ingredients.
MISTRIX offers virtual makeup shopping
MISTRIX, an Israeli startup, has developed a mobile app that enables virtual makeup shopping. You can upload pictures of makeup looks, and the app’s AI algorithm allows you to digitally try on makeup using augmented reality (AR) technology. The app then recommends products based on your selections. This virtual makeup experience simplifies your shopping process and helps you achieve your desired looks.
We provide a quality analysis for cosmetics
Now, a startup from the Czech Republic has developed a mobile app that conducts quality analysis of cosmetics and self-care products. By scanning or searching for a product, you can receive an unbiased risk assessment based on a thorough evaluation of the ingredients and detailed information about each one. The app also identifies risky ingredients, excludes them from your searches, and provides alternatives for poorly rated products. This solution helps you better understand the risks and health impacts of cosmetics, allowing you to make more informed purchasing decisions.
10. Cosmetics Nanotechnology
Startups are using nanotechnology to improve the effectiveness of cosmetic products. By using nanoparticles as carriers for cosmetic ingredients, products are more easily absorbed by the skin and can repair damage more efficiently. For example, startups are using micellar nanoparticle technology to create more effective cleansers. Other nanomaterials such as nanosomes, liposomes, fullerenes, and solid lipid nanoparticles are also being used in cosmetic production. These nanotechnologies contribute to longer-lasting effects, enhanced color, and better surface quality in cosmetics.
Redox Biotechnology develops nanobubble calcium mineral cosmetics
Redox Biotechnology is a South Korean startup specializing in the production of cosmetics using calcium minerals in nanobubbles. These nanobubbles contain functional components that are easily absorbed by the skin and allow better access to functional layers. The startup’s products are targeted at middle-aged individuals and are designed to hydrate the skin, remove bacteria, enhance toxin breakdown, and support skin metabolism and healing.
Planta Scientific offers nano-cannabinoid ingredients
Planta Scientific, a US-based startup, produces highly bioavailable nano-cannabinoid ingredients for the cosmetics industry. Their nanomolecules are small enough to effectively reach cellular receptors, making them more bioavailable and active than regular cannabidiol (CBD). This solution enables you to develop CBD-infused personal care and cosmetic products.
Discover All Cosmetic Trends, Technologies and Startups
With the introduction of new technologies, the cosmetics industry is experiencing a rapid acceleration in its growth. The sector is adapting to the constantly changing needs of consumers, focusing in particular on meeting the increasing demand for inclusivity and personalization through the use of advanced technologies. Consumers continue to show interest in digital assets, and technology is evolving in this direction to meet that demand. Furthermore, the cosmetics industry is going beyond traditional products, with personalization and sustainability emerging as central trends.
However, the "Cosmetics Trends & Startups" report only scratches the surface of the trends we’ve identified through our data-driven innovation and startup scouting process. Microbiomics, AI-assisted ingredient discovery, and controlled delivery systems are among the developments that could potentially revolutionize the industry as we know it today. Therefore, it's essential to recognize emerging technologies and new opportunities that you can integrate into your business to gain a competitive edge.
