The cosmetics industry has faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a decline in product sales. However, there has been a rapid advancement in integrating technology, transforming manufacturing processes, customer interactions, and product marketing within the industry. Moreover, consumer buying habits have shifted remarkably, with a preference for online and mobile services instead of traditional purchases. This discussion provides a comprehensive overview of the latest global trends in the cosmetics industry, including eco-friendly cosmetics, holistic beauty, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology. Continue reading to explore the Latest in Beauty technology-driven trends reshaping and redefining the cosmetics industry.
Innovation Map outlines the Top 10 Cosmetics Trends & 20 Promising Startups
Our extensive research on the latest beauty technology trends and startups in the cosmetics industry involved analyzing 2,484 startups and scale-ups worldwide. This data-driven approach has provided us with valuable innovation intelligence that can enhance strategic decision-making. Our research provides an overview of emerging technologies and startups in the cosmetics industry, leveraging the power of our Big Data and Artificial Intelligence-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform. With access to a database of over 2.5 million startups and scale-ups globally, our SaaS platform is the largest resource for data on emerging companies. It enables efficient and comprehensive identification of relevant startups, emerging technologies, and future industry trends.
The Innovation Map below provides a comprehensive view of the top 10 global cosmetics trends and innovations impacting over 2,400 companies. Furthermore, the Cosmetics Technology Innovation Map highlights 18 selected startups working on emerging technologies revolutionizing the cosmetics industry.
Tree Map Reveals the Impact of the Top 10 Cosmetics Trends.
The TreeMap below, based on the Cosmetics Innovation Map, illustrates the impact of the latest in beauty technology trends in 2023. Green Cosmetics strives to offer sustainable skincare solutions by minimizing resource consumption during production and using environmentally friendly ingredients. Immersive beauty and personalized care trends aim to strengthen customer relationships through customized experiences. The anti-aging and rejuvenation trend introduces innovative solutions for preventing aging and reducing the visibility of wrinkles. Blockchain technology promotes transparency in the cosmetics supply chain. Moreover, 3D printing and AI-based solutions provide efficient production methods by enabling on-demand and demand-based manufacturing, reducing the risks of overstocking.
Global Startup Heat Map covers 2 484 Cosmetics Startups & Scaleups.
In the realm of the Latest in Beauty Technology, the global beauty and cosmetics industry has experienced a remarkable surge in innovation and entrepreneurial activity. A Global Startup Heat Map has been meticulously crafted to capture this trend, encompassing 2,484 cosmetics startups and scaleups.
This Heat Map provides a comprehensive overview of the beauty and cosmetics industry's startup landscape, offering detailed information about emerging players in various regions worldwide. The map draws on data from the StartUs Insights platform, which meticulously tracks startup and innovation activity across diverse industries.
Encompassing startups and scale-ups involved in skincare, hair care, makeup, fragrances, and personal care, the Heat Map encompasses various products and services in the cosmetics realm. Moreover, the startups are categorized by stage, funding status, and innovation focus, enabling users to filter the data and gain valuable insights into specific industry segments.
Regarding the Latest in Beauty Technology, the Heat Map reveals that North America is the most active region for cosmetics startups and scaleups, boasting an impressive count of 1,106 companies. Europe follows closely behind with 733 startups, while Asia is strong with 474 startups. Notably, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa also showcase a significant presence of cosmetics startups.
Moreover, the Heat Map offers valuable insights into the prevailing trends and themes driving innovation within the cosmetics industry. One prominent trend is the increasing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness, as evidenced by numerous startups dedicated to creating environmentally conscious products utilizing natural or organic ingredients.
Additionally, technology plays a crucial role in enhancing product efficacy and personalization. Many cosmetics startups are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop customized products that cater to the unique needs of individual customers. This technology integration enables a more personalized and tailored beauty experience, elevating customer satisfaction and engagement.
Overall, the Global Startup Heat Map for cosmetics is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the current state of innovation in the beauty and cosmetics industry. It provides insights into the industry's emerging players, trends, and challenges and highlights the potential for further growth and development in the years to come.
Top 10 Cosmetics Trends in 2023
1. Green Cosmetics
In the Latest in Beauty Technology, cosmetics companies are becoming more cognizant of their production processes and the growing consumer demand for sustainability. To tackle this challenge, startups are at the forefront of developing innovative products that utilize naturally-derived ingredients. By incorporating such ingredients, the release of harmful chemicals into the environment during manufacturing can be significantly reduced. Moreover, startups are exploring alternative packaging solutions, such as plant-based materials, to minimize waste and environmental impact. Furthermore, ingredient upcycling is gaining traction, whereby startups repurpose and reuse ingredients to reduce environmental pollution and greenhouse emissions.
Detoxie produces Anti-Pollution Skincare.
In the Latest in Beauty Technology, Detoxie, an Indian startup, is making waves with its innovative approach to skincare. The company focuses on developing anti-stress and anti-pollution products that safeguard the hair and skin from damage. A key ingredient in Detoxie's cosmetics production is matcha, known for its high chlorophyll and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) concentration. This potent ingredient plays a vital role in shielding the skin from harmful sun damage and mitigating the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sunspots. Moreover, Detoxie's skincare range offers protective qualities against impurities and environmental chemicals that can adversely affect the skin. With their dedication to utilizing the latest beauty technology, Detoxie is revolutionizing the industry and providing effective solutions for maintaining healthy and vibrant skin.
DEW MIGHTY develops Sustainable Refillable Skincare
DEW MIGHTY is a US-based startup that produces dermatologist-tested, sustainable, refillable skincare. Its skincare products contain undiluted ingredients that are effective for all skin types and are packaged in sturdy containers that are easy to refill. The startup's solution helps to reduce the impact of plastic pollution.
2. Immersive Beauty
Cosmetics startups leverage immersive technologies such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) to enhance customer experiences and engagement. Through the use of AR, startups offer personalized virtual try-on makeup solutions, enabling customers to make faster purchasing decisions. AR and VR technologies also support virtual stores and shopping tours, making it more convenient for customers to buy products. Furthermore, these technologies are revolutionizing the way that brands showcase their products.
GlamAR develops a Virtual Makeup Try-On Platform.
Indian startup GlamAR provides a virtual platform for customers to try on makeup products virtually, including lipstick, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and blushes, and customize their shades and intensity. This technology helps customers make quicker purchase decisions and increases engagement. The startup also works on a contactless virtual mirror for in-store try-on experiences. GlamAR's innovative solutions provide marketing and sales benefits for cosmetics brands.
ForYou offers Personalized Skincare Routines.
The UK-based startup For You has created a personalized skincare routine app that uses augmented reality (AR) to analyze skin type and wrinkles. By utilizing big data and artificial intelligence (AI), the app can create a personalized skincare routine based on the user's skin and face type, which can then be tracked for progress. The app combines facial massage, anti-aging skincare, and lifting exercises for optimal results. ForYou's solution uses AR technology to offer customers a unique and immersive personalized skincare experience.
3. Personalized Care
Cosmetics startups are increasingly adopting personalized solutions to enhance customer loyalty. By leveraging data science and AI, these startups can identify suitable formulas and procedures for each customer, leading to a more tailored experience. Some startups are creating cosmetic products with modified allergens that avoid ingredients that cause sensitivity, reactions, and acne, thereby preventing allergic reactions. In addition, DNA-based skincare is gaining popularity as a hyper-personalized beauty product tailored to a customer's genetic makeup.
BASE manufactures Personalized Cosmetics
UK-based startup BASE develops personalized cosmetics by utilizing natural and science-backed ingredients tailored to the customer’s skin type. The startup uses a combination of deep machine learning and data analysis to create bespoke, fragrance-free, sustainable, and vegan skincare products that meet the specific needs of each individual. Additionally, the company reduces ingredient wastage by forecasting inventory needs.
PerfumeTech develops Smart Perfumes.
PerfumeTech, a startup based in Slovenia, develops smart perfume bottles with touch triggers that allow customers to apply perfume. These bottles can be controlled via a mobile app, allowing users to adjust the aroma or mist level. This innovation also allows brands to monitor usage and offer customers new bottles when the previous ones run out, increasing customer satisfaction and convenience.
4. Anti-Aging & Rejuvenation
As people age, their skin becomes more susceptible to various issues, such as collagen degradation and skin infections. Therefore, the demand for anti-aging cosmetics is increasing to help slow down the visible signs of aging. Anti-stress skincare is also becoming a significant trend, with startups creating cosmetic products that help prevent skin aging caused by daily stress. These products work by reducing stress-induced inflammation of the skin. Additionally, some startups are working on developing 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 manufactures Anti-Aging Cosmetics
Bulgarian startup GENTLE & ROSE specializes in developing anti-aging cosmetics. By combining natural plant extracts and bioengineering, the startup offers a range of skincare products that tackle the effects of dehydration, pollution, toxins, UV exposure, and collagen breakdown. Its cosmetics work to reduce the depth of wrinkles and skin roughness while increasing moisture and enhancing natural skin glow.
Nuebiome produces Microbiome Skincare.
Jamaican startup Nuebiome produces skincare cosmetics that focus on the microbiome. Its products contain nutrient-rich bio-ferments that combine prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to hydrate and restore the skin's suppleness. The startup formulates these with potent plant extracts in an optimal pH environment, supporting the skin's microbiome while increasing hydration and maintaining the enzymes, vitamins, and nutrients needed to preserve the skin's barrier function. This sustainable solution is designed to improve the skin's overall health and appearance.
5. Smart Skin Analysis
Startups use innovative skin analysis solutions to identify various skin issues, including uneven skin tone and acne. These solutions often incorporate technologies like AI, cross-polarized UV lighting, and 3D imaging to perform detailed skin analyses. Devices such as skin analyzers and smart mirrors can check humidity and moisture levels, manage skin conditions, and detect signs of aging. Skincare apps can also support these devices, using the built-in camera on mobile phones to provide customers with information about their skin's condition.
CatchMD develops a Skin Diagnostic Device.
CatchMD is a startup based in the US that offers a skin diagnostic device based on AI technology. The portable machine provides over 10 readings using various light filters to highlight skin features such as pores and wrinkles. The solution provides real-time data, facilitating customer engagement, and can identify major skin conditions and lesions that may not be visible to the naked eye. CatchMD's solution is used in medical spas, plastic surgery, and dermatology.
SQIN offers Skin Health Monitoring
German startup SQIN has developed an artificial intelligence app to monitor and address various dermatological concerns. This sophisticated program enables users to obtain personalized skincare advice by submitting a skin analysis to a professional dermatologist. Additionally, the app features various trackers, such as a water tracker to monitor hydration levels, a to-do list for daily skin care routines, and tailored dietary recommendations to promote skin health. SQIN also offers customers the option to receive medical-grade skin care products following a prescription by a licensed healthcare provider.
6. Cruelty-free Cosmetics
The trend of cruelty-free cosmetics, driven by conscious consumers, has gained significant traction in the beauty industry. In response to this, startups are exploring innovative technologies to create cosmetic products without the need for animal testing. Using vegan cosmetic formulations by beauty brands is one approach to manufacturing clean cosmetics that benefit the skin and lessen the chances of allergic reactions and inflammation. This benefits the consumers and contributes to the production of cruelty-free cosmetics.
Halal Beauty offers Halal Cosmetics.
Halal Beauty, a startup based in the United States, specializes in producing cosmetics made of halal-certified, cruelty-free, and natural ingredients. This indicates that their products are free from substances derived from various sources such as blood, pigs, human body parts, predatory animals, reptiles, insects, and alcohol. As a result, the brand's solutions present a safer, eco-friendly, and more sustainable alternative to conventional cosmetics.
SQIN ZERO creates Vegan Cosmetic Formulations
SQIN ZERO, a startup based in Switzerland, focuses on producing eco-friendly cosmetic formulations that are vegan in nature. With the minimalist approach, the company uses minimal ingredients in its products. This strategy ensures that the skin absorbs active ingredients in the cosmetics efficiently. The company also contributes to sustainability efforts by using recyclable and reusable materials. Moreover, the startup plants a tree for every order placed to boost its sustainability endeavors further.
7. Blockchain Beauty
Understanding the composition of cosmetics is essential in the industry. One way to securely record product information and purchasing habits is through blockchain technology. This cutting-edge solution provides a cryptographically secure way for cosmetic brands to ensure supply chain traceability and product authenticity. Furthermore, companies now offer "crypto cosmetics" and digital reproductions of their most popular items using non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Through these approaches, blockchain technology contributes to transparency in the cosmetics sector while unlocking creative opportunities for customer engagement.
Skinfo ensures Ingredient Transparency.
Skinfo, a startup based in Sweden, has developed widgets that provide transparency regarding cosmetic ingredients. The startup uses scientific facts to explain the ingredients in skincare and cosmetic products, allowing customers to make informed decisions about their chosen products. By providing information about the functions, skin effects, concerns, vitamin highlights, botanical names, and origin of the ingredients, Skinfo improves transparency in the cosmetics industry and helps to build trust between customers and cosmetic brands.
AFTS develops a Cosmetics Tracking Platform
AFTS, a startup based in Germany, has created a cosmetics tracking platform using blockchain technology. The platform helps companies measure the sustainability of their supply chain, allowing them to understand the impact of the ingredients they use and ensure ethical and sustainable supplier practices. By offering transparency and traceability, the solution helps to increase trust among customers in the cosmetics industry.
8. 3D Printing
The cosmetics industry has adopted 3D printing to revolutionize various aspects of the production process, from product design to packaging. The technology allows for greater customization, which benefits both brands and consumers. Some startups have even developed solutions that allow customers to 3D print cosmetics directly onto surfaces. This personalized approach reduces waste and enables brands to sell their customers' needs precisely. Additionally, 3D printing technology transforms cosmetics packaging, enabling creative and custom solutions.
OPTE advances Precision Skincare
OPTE, a US-based startup, has developed a makeup-skincare printer that scans the skin for discoloration, dark spots, age spots, and sun spots by analyzing captured skin images. The printer then applies a skin-enhancing coating using pure ingredients, which instantly corrects the appearance of spots and prevents new ones from forming. This solution represents a major step forward in precision skincare, as it offers highly personalized intervention and creates a more balanced skin barrier with less irritation.
AIM Colours produces Smart Nail Polish
The Canadian startup AIM Colours has created an innovative and customizable nail polish technology. The company offers press-on nails made of ultra-thin, low-power screens that are visible under direct sunlight without needing a battery. Customers can use the startup's mobile app to customize the color or nail art. This technology reduces the time and waste of traditional nail polish, eliminates exposure to solvents, and helps prevent microplastic waste.
9. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the cosmetics industry in various ways. It is improving the manufacturing processes of beauty products, speeding up customer analysis and communication, and enabling virtual product testing. Cosmetics brands use natural language processing (NLP) to create intelligent digital assistants for better customer engagement. Predictive analytics provides demand forecasts and supports new product development by analyzing a combination of factors such as weather or seasonality. Additionally, AI-based solutions are accelerating the discovery of novel cosmetic ingredients.
MISTRIX offers Virtual Makeup Shopping
MISTRIX, an Israeli startup, has developed a mobile app that allows for virtual makeup shopping. Customers can upload pictures of makeup looks, and the app's AI algorithm enables them to try on makeup digitally using augmented reality (AR) technology. The app then recommends products based on the customer's choices. This virtual makeup experience simplifies shopping and enables customers to achieve the desired looks.
We will provides a Cosmetics Quality Analysis.
Well, a startup based in the Czech Republic has developed a mobile app that performs quality analysis on cosmetics and self-care products. By scanning or searching for a product, users can receive an unbiased risk score based on a thorough evaluation of the ingredients and detailed information about each ingredient. The app also identifies and excludes risky ingredients from searches and provides alternatives for poorly rated products. This solution helps users better understand cosmetics' risks and health impacts, empowering them to make more informed purchasing decisions.
10. Cosmetics Nanotechnology
Startups are leveraging nanotechnology to enhance the effectiveness of cosmetic products. Using nanoparticles to carry cosmetic ingredients makes the products more easily absorbed into the skin for better damage repair. For example, startups use micellar nanoparticle technology to create more effective cleansers. Other nanomaterials, such as nanosomes, liposomes, fullerenes, and solid lipid nanoparticles, are also used in cosmetics manufacturing. These nanotechnologies provide a long-lasting effect, improved color, and enhanced finish quality to cosmetics.
Redox Biotechnology develops Nanobubble Calcium Mineral Cosmetics.
Redox Biotechnology is a South Korean startup specializing in creating cosmetics using nanobubble calcium minerals. These nanobubbles contain functional components that are easily absorbed by the skin, allowing for better access to functional organs. The startup's products target middle-aged individuals and aim to hydrate the skin, remove bacteria, improve toxin removal, and enhance skin metabolism and healing.
Planta Scientific offers Nano-cannabinoid Ingredients.
Planta Scientific, a startup based in the US, produces high bioavailability nano-cannabinoid ingredients for the cosmetics industry. Their nano molecules are small enough to effectively reach cellular receptors, making them more bioavailable and active than regular cannabidiol (CBD). This solution enables cosmetics brands to develop CBD-infused personal care and cosmetic products.
Discover all Cosmetics Trends, Technologies & Startups
With the incorporation of novel technologies, the cosmetics industry is experiencing a rapid acceleration in its growth. This industry remains adaptive to the ever-changing consumer needs and specifically focuses on fulfilling the increasing demand for inclusivity and personalization by applying advanced technologies. The consumer is still interested in digital assets, and technology is being shaped in that direction to satisfy the demand. Moreover, the cosmetic industry is transcending beyond traditional products, whereby personalization and sustainability have become pivotal trends.
However, the Cosmetics Trends & Startups report merely touches the tip of the iceberg concerning the trends we have recognized through our data-driven innovation and startup scouting process. Microbiomics, AI-powered ingredient discovery, and controlled delivery, among others, can potentially revolutionize the industry as we know it today. Therefore, it is essential to identify emerging technologies and new opportunities to implement into your business to gain a competitive edge.
