The UK health and beauty retailer Superdrug said it saw stronger than usual sales in the December trading period for 2023 and that sales of its own brand products were up by 10% on last year.
It’s been a tech-filled year for the beauty and personal care industry. As 2023 draws to a close, we look back at some of our top beauty technology stories over the past year…
As we head towards a new year, we’ve sought out evidence-based insights from industry analysts to get a glimpse into the mind of beauty consumers. Read on to discover what they will want, need and expect from brands and products in the next year.
Global beauty business Avon is betting on bricks-and-mortar retail as it reveals plans to open new ‘mini beauty boutiques" in the UK to support its traditional sales model.
Amazon and Walmart’s digital storefronts comprise almost half US e-Commerce sales for beauty and personal care products, making it increasingly important that B2B manufacturers and suppliers to these industries understand how to navigate ingredient formulation...
Numerous studies show that the oral microbiome impacts our systematic health, which means there may be new opportunities for personal care products designed to improve health and wellness.
With Mental Health Day on the horizon in October, we’ve rounded up five beauty and wellness brands that have cleverly incorporated mental health awareness and support into their marketing strategies.
A new PowerReviews survey focusing on beauty consumer trends underscores how the spending patterns of some consumers groups are still showing an upward trajectory, despite many household budgets continuing to be squeezed in the last couple of years.
A recent study by DTC ecommerce data company ESW stresses how Millennial and Gen Z consumers are willing to explore international destinations, but will still stop short if the price tag is considered to be too high or a brand is not being truly authentic.
Overall trends in purchasing behavior both on and offline as well as purchasing dynamics indicate healthy growth in the Beauty and Personal Care product categories overall despite the pressure of rising inflation in average product prices.
Trends like ‘category inclusion,’ ‘price accessibility,’ and ‘elimination of ageism in marketing’ are gaining traction in the cosmetics and personal care product industries to better meet consumer needs for more diverse and inclusive product offerings.
In the second part of this series, CosmeticsDesign explores how brand leaders Olowe, Chan, and Lee have navigated the financial stresses of a post-COVID world, embraced the advent of TikTok and social media marketing, and shared their understanding of...
In this two-part series, CosmeticsDesign interviews three Gen Z cosmetics and beauty brand leaders who have built platforms to grow trust, foster inclusivity and value diversity among their target consumer demographic.
Hong Kong cosmetics retailer Sa Sa could leverage its pricing strategies to attract price-sensitive consumers in South East Asia, who are increasingly prudent about spending on cosmetics, says an analyst.
Exclusive insights from L’Oréal and The Body Shop, Orcé Cosmetics, Juicy Chemistry, and Nodspark reveal the key influences driving the changes in the rebounding colour cosmetics category in Asia Pacific.
Beauty retailer Sa Sa International says the return of Chinese travellers to Hong Kong and Macau heralds a “promising start” to the new financial year.
The beauty industry has a duty to shift dated ideals around ageing and aesthetics, empowering consumers to be confident in their own skin and work towards realistic expectations, says the founder of facial fitness brand FaceGym.
Special Edition - Bright Beauty: Fun, Joy and Colour Across Cosmetics, Hair Care and Body Care
Beauty needs have shifted drastically since COVID-19, with consumers turning to cosmetic and personal care products for joy, fun and creativity versus to simply conform to societal standards, says a multi-sensory marketing expert.
Special Edition - Bright Beauty: Fun, Joy and Colour Across Cosmetics, Hair Care and Body Care
Testing products ahead of purchase remains an important part of the overall joy a beauty product brings to a consumer, says the head of the UK’s Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association.
Special Edition - Bright Beauty: Fun, Joy and Colour Across Cosmetics, Hair Care and Body Care
Colours and materials that offer serenity alongside energy and fun will align well with consumer inspirations and behaviours this year, says French forecasting firm NellyRodi.
Beauty will soon transition into industry 5.0 where mixed reality and interconnected drones and exoskeletons will favour the human element, enabling brands to integrate societal values and wellbeing in a smart and efficient way, says an executive from...
Investments in temporary tattoo printing technology by beauty bigwigs hint that the future of beauty will be influenced by experimentation, the metaverse, and heightened innovation in colour cosmetics.
Gen Z consumers are a driving force behind rising artificial nail sales, but Millennials and Gen Xers are also bolstering the trend, a recent NIQ report has revealed.
Long-lasting products, mood-boosting offerings and engaging experiences are more important than ever as consumers navigate the ongoing cost-of-living crisis globally, says the head of beauty and personal care research at Mintel.
International personal care major Colgate-Palmolive is heavily invested in the digitisation of its business, building out augmented factories, clean data rooms and digital shelf innovation to drive growth globally.
Trending skin care routine adequately addresses the unique needs of a younger consumer demographic, but what does this mean for manufacturers looking to improve targeted marketing efforts?
A round-up of CosmeticsDesign-Europe’s most-read news from January 2023 shows interest in expert insight on upcoming regulatory change, beauty tech launches, skin microbiome and botanicals science, and future consumer trends.
Lynda Searby talks the democratization of science, the rise of intimate personal care and ‘tweakments’, and what beauty stores of the future need to look like, with Mintel’s Andrew McDougall.
UK beauty retailer Superdrug has unveiled its budget own-brand makeup range designed to provide better accessibility for all consumers – a move that aligns well with the cost of living crisis and consumer trends, says an expert.
Supply chain shortages and cost surges related to the COVID-19 and Ukraine crises are making it difficult for beauty companies to maintain sustainable business models, but many continue to push ahead, says the founder of Ecovia Intelligence.
Daily-use products with UV protection will be a key driver of global beauty growth in years to come, as changes to the weather and consumer knowledge push it into a very real daily need space, says the CEO of L’Oréal.
The concern over long COVID and its impact on skin health will drive consumer demand for safety, thereby pushing more cosmetic companies to develop products in accordance with the ISO natural origin index, according to a new review.
Getting your skin analysed from static selfies is set to become a thing of the past as beauty tech firms move to develop new technology to analyse skin and even hair with videos taken with your smartphone.
Consumers live in a multisensory world where perception and experiences are defined by the human senses, and the beauty industry must keep this front-of-mind during product design and development, says a leading experimental psychologist.
Beauty tech investments have largely focused on digital and e-commerce, but consumers are looking for technology in-store as well to improve the overall shopping experience, providing significant opportunity for brands and retailers, according to Mintel.
The UK’s second-biggest health and beauty retailer Superdrug is defying the cost-of-living crisis and upping its game in premium beauty brands as it broadens its offer beyond its lower price point core.
Shaved heads, no eyebrows and messy makeup are some of the latest visuals popping up in beauty as Generation Z emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic looking to flip the lid on dated, traditional narratives.
Retailer A.S. Watson has cautioned that consumer sentiment in China will take time to fully recover, despite an uptick in footfall following a turbulent few months due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Getting the stamp of approval from TikTok can generate a lot of success for beauty brands, but one insider cautions companies not to fall into the trap of letting TikTok dictate their product development.
Personal care giant Colgate-Palmolive has reported a net sales rise for the first half (H1) of 2022, with business especially strong in Latin America despite ongoing headwinds worldwide.
The Long Read: Everything beauty needs to consider in the Metaverse
The lucrative potential of virtual beauty products, the complexities of crypto transactions and the sustainable and social challenges surrounding the metaverse must be front of mind as innovation in this fragmented space evolves, say industry experts.
With the online beauty boom after COVID-19, it has become harder for skin care brands to stand out and engage with shoppers who still enjoy and rely on traditional tactile engagement ahead of purchase, says Mintel.
![Sa Sa says the return of Chinese travellers to Hong Kong and Macau heralds a “promising start” to the new financial year. [Sa Sa]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/business-financial/sa-sa-ready-to-put-covid-19-issues-behind-as-chinese-tourists-return/16357730-1-eng-GB/Sa-sa-ready-to-put-COVID-19-issues-behind-as-Chinese-tourists-return.png)
![The beauty industry has a duty of care to fulfil, empowering consumers of all ages to feel skin and body confidence [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2023/04/21/beauty-ageing-ideals-must-change-and-brands-have-a-duty-to-drive-this-says-facegym-founder/16355744-1-eng-GB/Beauty-ageing-ideals-must-change-and-brands-have-a-duty-to-drive-this-says-FaceGym-founder.jpg)
![Joy has become a key word for beauty post-pandemic and many brands are succeeding in creating emotional connections via sensory innovations like texture, scent and packaging [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2023/04/13/beauty-post-pandemic-focusing-on-sensory-innovation-to-promote-joy-fun-and-creativity/16333288-1-eng-GB/Beauty-post-pandemic-focusing-on-sensory-innovation-to-promote-joy-fun-and-creativity.jpg)
![Many beauty consumers still want to try products before buying, with brands now offering an array of ways to do so both in-sore and online [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2023/04/14/beauty-try-ons-key-to-joy-of-category-post-covid-says-ctpa-chief-both-in-store-or-online/16335619-1-eng-GB/Beauty-try-ons-key-to-joy-of-category-post-COVID-says-CTPA-chief-both-in-store-or-online.jpg)
![Freshness and vibrant tropicals inspired from the great outdoors are key colour themes to tap into under the wider umbrella of 'peace' as beauty's most important trend in 2023 [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2023/04/13/nellyrodi-beautylab-and-color-intelligence-2023-reports-say-peace-is-key-theme-for-colours-textures-and-innovation/16331929-1-eng-GB/NellyRodi-BeautyLab-and-Color-Intelligence-2023-reports-say-peace-is-key-theme-for-colours-textures-and-innovation.jpg)
![Industry 5.0 will see the human element gain importance again, as workers return to factories with integrated smart technologies such as exoskeletons and drones [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2023/04/12/beauty-tech-entering-industry-5.0-era-where-human-element-and-wellbeing-take-centre-stage-says-beauty-cluster/16326811-1-eng-GB/Beauty-tech-entering-industry-5.0-era-where-human-element-and-wellbeing-take-centre-stage-says-Beauty-Cluster.jpg)
![Investments in temporary tattoo printing technology by beauty bigwigs hint on the future of beauty. [LG H&H / Imprintu]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/market-trends/why-beauty-giants-are-investing-in-temporary-tattoo-technology/16246165-1-eng-GB/Why-beauty-giants-are-investing-in-temporary-tattoo-technology.jpg)
![The perceived value of a beauty product is now more important than ever for consumers, but it's not just about price [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2023/03/09/mintel-says-value-key-in-beauty-during-cost-of-living-crisis-with-premiumisation-shopping-experiences-and-mood-key-trends/16238065-1-eng-GB/Mintel-says-value-key-in-beauty-during-cost-of-living-crisis-with-premiumisation-shopping-experiences-and-mood-key-trends.jpg)
![Shopper journeys now blur across online and offline worlds, carving out plentiful opportunities for consumer brands to better engage, learn and innovate accordingly [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2023/02/28/colgate-palmolive-digital-transformation-focused-on-smart-factories-clean-data-rooms-and-digital-shelf-innovation/16208842-1-eng-GB/Colgate-Palmolive-digital-transformation-focused-on-smart-factories-clean-data-rooms-and-digital-shelf-innovation.jpg)
![Intimate personal care and hormonal beauty are set to rise in importance next year as consumers look for products in previously taboo categories [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign.com/headlines/market-trends/mintel-talks-beauty-trends-for-2023-highlighting-expert-science-self-care-sexual-health-and-smart-retail/16024334-1-eng-GB/Mintel-talks-beauty-trends-for-2023-highlighting-expert-science-self-care-sexual-health-and-smart-retail.jpg)
![The Studio London range features 136 different products, including foundations, eyeshadows and lipglosses, designed with diversity in mind [Image: Superdrug]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/11/03/superdrug-launches-studio-london-own-brand-budget-cosmetics-range-for-affordable-diverse-strategy/15910400-6-eng-GB/Superdrug-launches-Studio-London-own-brand-budget-cosmetics-range-for-affordable-diverse-strategy.jpg)
![Significant ongoing economic headwinds are creating difficulties for many beauty companies worldwide, though plenty continue to invest and design out circular business models [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/10/31/sustainable-beauty-challenges-tough-amidst-2022-economic-crisis-says-ecovia-intelligence/15900578-4-eng-GB/Sustainable-beauty-challenges-tough-amidst-2022-economic-crisis-says-Ecovia-Intelligence.jpg)
![L'Oréal is heavily invested in advancing UV protection offerings, including for consumers with dark skin phototypes [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/headlines/market-trends/uv-protection-market-shows-daily-use-skin-care-growth-beyond-sun-care-says-l-oreal-ceo/15884636-1-eng-GB/UV-protection-market-shows-daily-use-skin-care-growth-beyond-sun-care-says-L-Oreal-CEO.jpg)
![Shopping for any product is a multisensory experience for consumers that involves visuals, touch and smell among other things [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/09/22/beauty-neuroscience-needs-focus-for-product-design-fragrance-use-says-professor-charles-spence-at-ifscc-2022/15787806-1-eng-GB/Beauty-neuroscience-needs-focus-for-product-design-fragrance-use-says-Professor-Charles-Spence-at-IFSCC-2022.jpg)
![Gencor Pacific is eyeing huge opportunities in Asia Pacific’s anti-hair loss market. [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/formulation-science/evidence-of-long-covid-hair-loss-could-spur-demand-for-effective-natural-solutions/15749379-1-eng-GB/Evidence-of-long-COVID-hair-loss-could-spur-demand-for-effective-natural-solutions.jpg)
![A large number of UK adults who buy beauty and grooming products say in-store technology would help the overall shopping experience [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/09/08/beauty-tech-in-store-holds-great-promise-for-consumer-experience-and-shopping-journey-says-mintel/15752187-1-eng-GB/Beauty-tech-in-store-holds-great-promise-for-consumer-experience-and-shopping-journey-says-Mintel.jpg)
![UK health and beauty retailer Superdrug has acquired seven new premium fragrance and beauty brands [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/08/25/superdrug-adds-premium-fragrance-beauty-brands-to-retail-offering/15713331-1-eng-GB/Superdrug-adds-premium-fragrance-beauty-brands-to-retail-offering.jpg)
![The COVID-19 crisis has fuelled important shifts among Gen Z beauty consumers around gender, image and mental health [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/08/25/beauty-trends-gen-z-post-covid-show-unconventional-gender-fluid-escapism-important-says-verve/15710946-1-eng-GB/Beauty-trends-Gen-Z-post-COVID-show-unconventional-gender-fluid-escapism-important-says-Verve.jpg)
![A.S. Watson has cautioned that consumer sentiment in China will take time to fully recover. [Watsons]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/business-financial/a.s.-watson-believes-recovery-of-consumer-sentiment-in-china-will-take-some-time/15682233-1-eng-GB/A.S.-Watson-believes-recovery-of-consumer-sentiment-in-China-will-take-some-time.jpg)
![Insider cautions cosmetic companies not to fall into the trap of letting TikTok dictate their product development. [GettyImages]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/market-trends/tiktok-beauty-pitfalls-of-allowing-tiktok-to-dictate-product-development/15642912-1-eng-GB/TikTok-beauty-Pitfalls-of-allowing-TikTok-to-dictate-product-development.jpg)
![Net sales growth has been especially strong in Latin America for Colgate-Palmolive, driven by Colombia, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/08/04/colgate-palmolive-h1-2022-net-sales-rise-net-profit-dips-with-latin-america-strong/15657228-1-eng-GB/Colgate-Palmolive-H1-2022-net-sales-rise-net-profit-dips-with-Latin-America-strong.jpg)
![Everyone is talking about the metaverse, but what should beauty brands and retailers be thinking about? [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/07/20/metaverse-trends-in-beauty-include-nfts-virtual-makeup-social-responsibility-and-sustainability-say-experts/15614295-1-eng-GB/Metaverse-trends-in-beauty-include-NFTs-virtual-makeup-social-responsibility-and-sustainability-say-experts.jpg)
![Many skin care consumers still value in-store sampling and testing, so brands need to work hard to balance out online and brick and mortar retail strategies [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/headlines/market-trends/skin-care-retail-needs-balance-between-online-and-offline-says-mintel/15607541-1-eng-GB/Skin-care-retail-needs-balance-between-online-and-offline-says-Mintel.jpg)
