Beauty Through Science: Technology Taking the Lead

Technology is primarily used in the personal care industry to give customers more information, meet their evolving wants and needs, and ultimately improve their overall experience. E-beauty has many facets, both virtual and real. New beauty rituals are emerging based on digital technologies to offer users a unique journey, with ingredients dedicated to specific types of skin, hair, and more. E-beauty also has its place in the metaverse, allowing users to try virtual makeup or experiment with different hairstyles without the need for physical products.

Based on the results of a study by Poshly, 72% of beauty consumers are interested in smart beauty products. From skincare to makeup, technology is shaping the way we approach beauty. Smart skin care devices are becoming increasingly popular, and these innovative tools are designed to help you take better care of your skin by providing personalized recommendations and tracking your progress over time.

There are many types of smart skincare devices, including facial massagers and cleansing brushes that use sonic and gentle vibrations to remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells from the face. They can help improve blood circulation, open pores, and enhance related product penetration. An exciting trend in the beauty and personal care industry is the use of light therapy. LED lights are used to penetrate the skin and help with collagen production stimulation, inflammation reduction, and overall improvement in skin texture and tone. Microcurrent devices use low-level electrical currents to stimulate facial muscles. They can help improve muscle tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Overall, smart skincare technologies are designed to make it easier for users to achieve healthy and youthful-looking skin by providing personalized recommendations and treatments. However, for using those devices, it is important to create specific formulations (long-term wetting, high spreadability, temperature-resistant, etc.). The choice of the active ingredients to use with smart beauty devices also depends on the desired effect and the specificities of the device.

Personalization is a big trend in the beauty and personal care industry, and for good reason. People are looking for products that are tailored to their individual needs, and personalized beauty products offer just that. From skincare products that are formulated based on your skin type and concerns, to makeup that's customized based on your skin tone and personal style, there are many ways to get a personalized beauty experience.

According to a survey conducted by Euromonitor International, 56% of beauty consumers want personalized products. The beauty industry is trying to meet this demand by developing innovative technologies like L’Oréal's Beauty Through Science (BTs) system. BTs goes beyond smart lipstick and personalized foundation, it is a revolutionary system that allows consumers to have a unique and personalized experience through advanced data and technology.

Another way that companies are meeting this demand is through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to develop personalized recommendations for skincare routines. For example, SkinCeuticals has developed an AI-powered tool called Custom D.O.S.E., which analyzes a customer's skin and creates a personalized serum based on their unique needs. Similarly, the company Proven uses AI to analyze a customer's skin concerns, lifestyle, and preferences to create a customized skincare routine.

Market of skin analyzers and smart mirrors are booming, with cameras and sensors able to analyze the skin's condition and track its progress over time. These aI-powered beauty apps use artificial intelligence (AI) to provide users with personalized recommendations for skincare products and routines. Such as information on skin hydration levels, pigmentation, and wrinkles, which can help users to better understand their skin and develop a more effective skin care routine.

3D printing technology is revolutionizing many industries, why would the beauty industry be left out?  From 2015, when the first 3D printed hair extensions were created, to the first 3D printed mascara wand, we have seen a dramatic evolution of this technology in the last 5 years.

While 3D printing has been used in the beauty industry primarily for creating personalized packaging and tools, there have also been advancements in 3D printing technology for cosmetic products themselves. For example, in 2017, Mink launched a 3D makeup printer that allows users to choose any color from a digital image and print it directly onto a substrate, such as a pressed powder or cream. This technology allows for complete customization of makeup products, from color to texture to finish.

In addition, 3D printing has also been used to create skin patches with encapsulated active ingredients for targeted skincare treatments. This technology allows for precise control of the release of active ingredients, offering potential for more effective skincare solutions. Researchers from major companies like L’Oréal or Chanel, are also exploring the possibility of printing hair follicles and even entire human skin, which could have enormous implications for the beauty industry in term of scientific advances without the use of animal testing.

Overall, 3D printing technology is allowing cosmetics companies to create more innovative and personalized products, and the development of new and advanced materials like bioink and hydrogels is helping to drive this progress forward.

It has now become essential to develop ingredients and materials that are specifically designed for this purpose. To this end, Safic-Alcan's partners are actively contributing to the development of innovative materials suitable for 3D printing developing innovative heat-resistant polymers and elastomers as well as specialized pigments, waxes, resins and starches.

In conclusion, technological advancements are rapidly transforming the beauty industry, enabling new possibilities for personalized and sustainable products. From AI-powered hyper-personalization to 3D printing, these technologies are reshaping the way we create, test, and deliver beauty products. As these technologies continue to evolve, they require a new generation of ingredients and materials that are suitable for their specific applications.

Safic-Alcan is committed to staying at the forefront of these technological innovations and partnering with leading companies to develop these cutting-edge ingredients.

Let’s unlock the full potential of these exciting new technologies together and create a more innovative and sustainable future for the beauty industry.

Meet us at in-cosmetics 2023, booth D50 to learn more about our campaign “Beauty Intelligence” and discover future-inspired formulas developed by our network of 6 application laboratories worldwide.