Top 5 most-read stories March 2023: Unilever talks tech, Gallinée microbiome tests and 2023 challenges

A round-up of CosmeticsDesign-Europe’s most-read news from March 2023 shows interest in the future of tech, concerns around cosmetic claims and greenwashing and navigating through the cost-of-living crisis.

AI future and skin microbiome testing​

The vice president of science and technology at Unilever provided insight on the future trends to watch in the tech space, suggesting beauty was entering an exciting era. Dr Samantha Samaras said Artificial Intelligence (AI) was now becoming increasingly integrated into consumer lives, which presented huge industry opportunities for innovation.

Microbiome beauty brand Gallinée advanced its offering with the unveiling of at-home skin microbiome testing kits, developed in partnership with biotech firm Sequential Skin. Brand founder Marie Drago said the launch was a natural evolution for the beauty company.

Industry concerns – claims and green transparency​

Cosmetic claims consultant Dr Theresa Callaghan called out concerns around the widening industry-consumer gap across beauty and personal care, stating the category continued to be plagued by poorly backed claims and misinformation online. Overturning this, she said, required brands to slow down innovation and let scientists lead.

Green cosmetics expert Barbara Olioso said the next year presented plenty of challenges for sustainable beauty development, including greenwashing concerns, rising supply chain costs and a growing need for transparency. All of these, she said, had to remain high up on beauty’s agenda.

A beauty consumer in crisis?​

Mintel’s director of beauty and personal care research Andrew McDougall said as consumers and businesses navigated an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, it had become critical for brands to earn a deserved place in shopping baskets. Creating long-lasting products, mood-boosting offerings and engaging experiences, he said, would prove key in the months ahead.

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