New beauty innovations continue to shape current cosmetic industries and are expected to play a crucial role in shaping future ones.
As beauty trends become ever more complex, it seems that every month or two brings a new product category into focus — from hair care to skincare and beyond. Why is that? Isn’t it enough to simply look good in our clothes and makeup? What else should we consider besides external appearance?
In recent years, cosmetics have witnessed major innovation and change. Just look at the bulk beauty products retailers purchase every time they restock their shelves. You see so many new products all the time.
Products such as lipstick, concealer, eyeshadow, foundation, mascara, shampoo, and conditioners have undergone substantial changes, driven by advances in science and consumer demand. These innovations continue to shape current cosmetic industries and are expected to play a crucial role in shaping future ones.
Let’s look at the latest beauty and cosmetic trends and how businesses react to them.
Water-based Cosmetics
With water-based products, we’re seeing more natural ingredients making their way into everyday beauty care solutions. Companies have been slowly increasing the use of botanical extracts and plant oils instead of petrochemicals.
These types of products offer a multitude of benefits, including moisturisation, anti-ageing, and skin healing. Consumers are embracing these types of products due to concerns about safety, quality, and natural purity.
All-natural Makeup
This is a cosmetic trend that seems to see no signs of slowing down.
The all-natural trend is being embraced by many consumers who want to avoid harmful chemicals in their makeup and skincare products. While the market still leans towards full coverage products at present, all-natural cosmetics are becoming increasingly popular thanks to the rise of conscious consumers seeking out safer options.
All-natural products tend to use less synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and colours than traditional cosmetic products, offering consumers a cleaner product without sacrificing any performance.
In response to this trend, many organic beauty brands have sprung up. Some of them include ILIA, Alima Pure, W3LL PEOPLE, and Kosas.
Cruelty-free Products
As awareness rises about animals’ welfare, companies are beginning to create products free from animal testing. A recent example of this type of move was Procter & Gamble’s introduction of its first vegan shampoo line earlier this year. In addition, a number of cosmetics brands now offer cruelty-free products.
There is some evidence suggesting that people who choose products without animal testing are more likely to make healthier choices around food and personal care products, while others cite concern over the treatment of animals as motivation to transition away from conventional cosmetics.
Many beauty brands have adjusted their mission and vision to include being cruelty-free as one of their core values. Some of these include Wet n Wild, Lush, and Tarte.
DIYs
Cosmetic enthusiasts like to experiment with different techniques on their own faces. Over the past few years, we’ve seen countless tutorials showcasing homemade masks, treatments, body scrubs, and other DIY beauty regimens. Some of them work great; others don’t!
It’s important for consumers to do their research before diving headfirst into home remedies. For example, many DIY mask recipes contain ingredients that can be harsh to sensitive skin such as baking soda or even white vinegar. As always, it pays to do your research before you begin experimenting with your own products.
Microalgae
Microalgal biomass refers to algae grown at a laboratory scale. Microalgae produce lipids and high- quality protein, making them a potential alternative feedstock for biodiesel production.
Algae culture requires minimal land space and consumes low amounts of freshwater. Moreover, microorganisms that live in aquatic environments may potentially help reduce environmental contamination caused by traditional wastewater treatment operations.
Brands have sprung up that solely focused on microalgae skincare products. One of which is Algenist.
Silicone Polymers
Silicone polymers are organic compounds comprised of silicon atoms bonded covalently together. They are commonly used in cosmetic manufacturing due to their non-toxic nature, biocompatibility, moisturizing properties, water-resistant property, and elasticity.
In addition, silicone polymers are resistant to breaking down under extreme temperatures. They can be used to create emulsions, gels, lotions, creams, and shampoos.
What’s next?
As beauty retailers stock their shelves with bulk beauty products, we will continue to see changes to the products based on the latest beauty industry trends.
What’s next?
We just never know. But what we do know, is that beauty brands will continue to be adaptive and react according to these changes. We can’t wait to see how they adapt to brand new challenges.