As we begin to look ahead where the beauty industry will head in 2024, for the latest edition of our ongoing series posing questions relevant to indie beauty, we asked 19 beauty manufacturers the following question: What are three big business and consumer trends that you think will shape the beauty manufacturing sector next year?

Kyle LaFond Founder, Natural Contract Manufacturing and American Provenance

From a business perspective, I think that we'll continue to see a focus on profitability. 2023 was a very difficult year for both emerging and established brands. The "growth-at-all-costs" strategy came to an abrupt end as investors pulled back and money slowed.

Most investors are now looking for solid business plans and a pathway to profitability before providing financial support. Beauty brands that have a plan, measurable milestones and operational sophistication will have all the advantages.

I also think that there will be a return to the importance of product quality above all else. The last few years have seen an explosion of celebrity and influencer brands. Unfortunately, many of these brands featured poor quality products and relied on status or followers for sales. These brands found out the hard way that poor products tend to only sell once. Smart businesses focus on repeat purchases fueled by superior product quality.

From a consumer perspective, I think that there will generally be two directions taken: 1). Consumers that focus on minimal ingredients, and 2). Consumers that focus on superior science.

Consumers seeking products with minimal ingredients will actively pursue transparent labels listing fewer than 10 known and recognizable ingredients. Consumers looking for the latest scientific discoveries will turn to popular social media channels or established press to augment their beauty routines.

Anthony Standifer Founder and Chief Brand Architect, mSEED Group

Millennial and gen X consumers have clearly communicated their expectations regarding beauty products. The growing emergence of gen Z consumers as a dominant buying force is going to shift the landscape once again over the next three to five years.

Black and brown millennial women pioneered the natural hair movement shifting away from chemical straightening systems that were often forced upon them as children. As they matured, they choose a different path that has changed the ways in which women show up in the world.

Gen Z consumers have had naturally curly hair their entire lives and have experienced different pain points in maintaining that hair without chemically straightening it. I predict they will take newer, different paths as they become the primary decision makers in how they show up. That may involve the use of chemical straightening systems or other vehicles by which hair can be altered to achieve a different look.

Within manufacturing there will continue to be a shift towards small(er) batch production that allows indie founders to access development without such large MOQs. As a manufacturer, maintaining production efficiencies and profitability at these lower volumes is the great conundrum. Fortunately for teams like mine it is the space we are deeply rooted in.

2024 is going to be an amazing time to launch niche specific indie brands.

Aaron Paas CEO, Prime Matter Labs

This year brought many changes to the industry that will impact brands across the board as we move into 2024. The top three trends I predict will be of importance are transparency, compliance and speed to market.

Transparency

Consumers are demanding more transparency from brands, and brands are responding with tactics like ingredient education, supply chain disclosure and community feedback. From a business perspective, contract manufacturers will also need to be more transparent with our brand partners, leveraging technology to develop tools that facilitate clear communication and provide access to information for brand partners throughout the development and manufacturing process.

We’re providing a whole new level of transparency through software we developed that drives our innovation and production platform. We believe it'll be essential for manufacturers to adopt solutions like this that will help provide better customer support and create an environment where our brand partners have access to the information needed to better manage their businesses.

Compliance

Another prominent trend will be how the Modernization of Cosmetic Regulation Act (MoCRA) will impact the industry as brands will be required to report on ingredients and safety substantiation, among other reporting and label requirements. This may require some brands to incorporate new processes, personnel, or manufacturing partners into their business to ensure compliance.

These changes could pose challenges for some brands, making it even more important to find a formulation and manufacturing partner that understands regulatory needs and is prepared from day one to help guide them through the process. Contract manufacturers like Prime Matter Labs, which have a strong regulatory and compliance team in-house, are already following current good manufacturing practices and are equipped to manufacture over-the-counter products and help brands transition to the new regulatory landscape.

Speed To Market

Speed to market of hard-to-develop products is going to be a huge competitive advantage for brands seeking to differentiate in the rapidly changing beauty market in 2024. Customization of pre-developed formulas that have already passed through R&D and testing provides speed-to-market for brands, allowing them to respond to the fast-paced beauty trend landscape more quickly or extend current product lines with complimentary products.

Depending on the formula and relevant regulations, brands can tailor the formulas with ingredients that provide benefits that appeal to their audience and brand messaging. Creating successful customized formulas in hard-to-develop categories like SPF will be an essential filter for brands when they're selecting innovation and production partners that will help them grow their businesses.

Christine Staples CEO, Cohere Beauty

Integration Of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Into Manufacturing

The integration of AI in manufacturing will unfold in two distinctive phases. First, AI will elevate the consumer experience with product exploration, where individuals can virtually see and experience different hair, skin and cosmetics products. From there, AI-driven analytics will provide data on customer preferences, allowing brands to hypothesize new product variations that align with market demand.

In phase two, AI will provide beauty brands with operational efficiency and adaptability by allowing them to become more agile and, in turn, swiftly formulate based on evolving consumer preferences. The implication is that AI will enable brands to grow without incurring incremental manpower and resources.

Agility At Scale Due To Market Consolidation

As we continue to see considerable market consolidation, formulators and contract manufacturers must be as agile and adaptable as the smaller, independently owned brands they support. Doing this will allow them to successfully maintain the delivery of their services to their brand partners while ensuring speed, quality and compliance with increasingly demanding regulations and specific retailer requirements.

Contract manufacturers should also invest in both data utilization and automation of their behind-the-scenes operations. This allows them to streamline processes and refine their capabilities in changeover times, batching, scrap reduction and overall throughput.

Finally, utilizing a product lifecycle management system effectively provides brand partners with quick access to ingredients, claims and impurities (e.g., 1,4 dioxane). This enhanced access will empower these companies to formulate products more rapidly while increasing their ability to meet and comply with the forthcoming MoCRA regulations.

Beauty, Wellness And The Influence Of Gen Z

As consumers continue to navigate their busier-than-ever lifestyles post-pandemic, they are increasingly experiencing overwhelming feelings of stress, leading to a trend toward products that help with mental and physical health. In essence, consumers not only want to look good, they want to feel good physically and emotionally. As they increasingly prioritize wellness, they are increasingly hungry for information to make mindful purchase decisions.

For example, consumers want to feel confident that the beauty products they purchase are not only efficacious, but also safe and with less chemicals and more natural ingredients. This is becoming less of a specific brand positioning and more of a price of entry within product development. Thus, consumers want to see scientifically backed claims, not just marketing "fluff" used as soft-label claims.

As brands have continued to invest in understanding the behaviors and values of the gen Z consumer, wellness has risen to the top in importance. Gen Z exudes self-worth characteristics and is highly motivated by peer reviews and social media interactions.

They also incorporate their tech savviness into their wellness approach, allowing them to quickly research ingredient features and benefits to decide if brands sell credible products. Data will become increasingly valuable with the gen Z consumer since there is still a gap in understanding this group's motivations and purchasing trends.

Bob Goehrke CEO, International Products Group

In a tough economy, where money and resources are tight for the startup founder-led brand, the beauty manufacturer will evolve and become a fully integrated strategic partner—nurturing, supporting, building and scaling indie brands.

Ideally, the manufacturing partner will be a contributor across the extended value chain, assisting in innovation, positioning, brand architecture, regulatory, logistics, product education, distribution and even exit strategy. Essentially, the manufacturer must step up and engage in the professionalism and increasing sophistication of the beauty entrepreneur process.

Tish Poling Co-Founder and President, International Products Group

Two consumer trends that we are seeing as a developer and manufacturer in the beauty industry are:

1. An increased desire for medical-grade, luxury skincare that is social media- and selfie-worthy. Innovative, scientifically proven and clinically tested ingredients and products are attributes our customers are requesting. Ideally, they still want “clean” formulations as well.
2. The consumer is demanding refillable packaging, vegan and gluten-free formulations as well as full regulatory services. With the advent of MoCRA, this will be an emerging ask from our customers over the next 12 months.

Ashlee Posner Founder, Lucent Labs and State of Change

Transparency > Clean 

Officially the word “clean” does not mean anything. It is no longer just what is in the bottle, but the entire journey from concept to lab to shelf. At Lucent Labs, the demand for behind-the-scenes glimpses is a testament to the cultural shift and value of storytelling.

The era of secrets and mysterious formulations is out, and the new age of accountability is in. Manufacturers will need to get ready for the spotlight and showcase their process. It’s not just about curiosity, but about showing their honesty and integrity in an industry that has not been known for it.

Personalization

Finally, technology and AI are allowing brands to catch up with the consumer demand for personalization. People have wanted custom for well over a decade, and there is definitely a rise of on-demand and custom manufacturing. I think we will see more of this applied across brands, more “create your own” and more testing of additional SKUs in a low-risk way. I think Blanka is a great example of this and where the industry is heading.

Scientific Validation

The average person applies nine personal care products to their body daily and women up to 15. That is an average of 126 unique ingredients (EWG). In 2023, we saw that more customers are questioning what those chemicals are and how they affect their body and the planet.

Consumers will continue to demand concrete data over vague claims, and this will require manufacturers to embrace scientific accountability as well. The winners will be conscious formulators and manufacturers who offer validation and third-party certification as a proof point to their claims. As a conscious fragrance house who holds this as a core value, we have naturally partnered with manufacturers who share this ethos.

Matt Stearn President, Innovative Cosmetic Labs

National Retail X Indie Brands 

I think retailers are going to continue to expand their indie brand assortments while being intentional about it. This means allowing brands enough time to get sales traction and deploy marketing.

National retail has the ability to run tests in a fraction of their stores. Target, Ulta and Sephora can run highly targeted tests on a regional basis. I imagine retailers testing and learning on a micro level with indie brands to nurture their success.

Deluxe-Size Samples 

I’m a big believer in the power of sales conversion with trial sizes. Ulta keeps expanding the amount of trial-size offerings, and it gives the customer an added value. Sephora runs great programs with brands to distribute samples both in and outside of the store.

Brands should always be focused on getting a sample into a potential customer’s hands. Working with a subscription box is a great way for a brand to drive awareness without necessarily having a retail footprint.

Return To The Hero SKU   

We have an oversaturation of similar products and lack of focus at shelf level. Most brands have low market usage penetration with their No. 1 product. A hero product is what the brand should be known for: a clearly differentiated product for the target market that addresses a need, performs well and is worth a repeat purchase. Look for brands to grow their business by capturing new customers on their No. 1 product.

Fred Khoury President, Above Rinaldi Labs

Highlighting scientifically backed formulations with less focus on “clean beauty” standards

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on “clean beauty” standards. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions and are seeking products that align with their values. However, one emerging trend is the shift away from solely focusing on “clean beauty” standards.

While sustainability and clean alternatives remain important, consumers are now looking for scientifically backed formulas that deliver real results. They want to see evidence that the products they purchase are effective. This trend will lead cosmetic manufacturers to invest more in research and development to create formulas that are scientifically proven to be effective with less importance on meeting “clean” standards.

Emphasis on proprietary ingredient systems and complexes

Brands are constantly looking for ways to differentiate themselves from their competitors. One effective strategy is the development of proprietary ingredient systems and complexes. These unique combinations of ingredients are carefully formulated to target specific skin concerns and provide enhanced benefits.

By leveraging these proprietary ingredient systems, brands can offer consumers something truly unique and exclusive. This trend is driving ingredient innovation as brands strive to create novel formulations that deliver superior results.

Premium formulations that are recession-proof

In times of economic uncertainty, consumers tend to prioritize value for their money. The cosmetic industry is no exception to this trend. While premium formulations have always had their place in the market, there is now a growing demand for products that are both luxurious and budget friendly.

Consumers want to feel like they are treating themselves without breaking the bank. This trend has led to an increase of the development of affordable luxury products that offer high-quality ingredients and a premium experience at a more accessible price point.

Helga Arminak Founder and CEO, KBL Cosmetics and APG Packaging

APG Packaging

Sunscreen Manufacturing

As we are seeing the popularity of sunscreen products rise, we also see the challenges behind making a product like this, including the cost, minimums, time and specific certifications needed. Informing consumers and coming up with new solutions is something I predict will be a huge game changer in the industry.

Clean Formula Clarity

Clean and natural beauty stuff is all the rage. There'll be clearer rules and labels soon as everyone is learning what these new buzzwords actually mean. That way, consumers and brands will know and can educate themselves and others on what they are actually putting on their face and/or selling.

Digital Beauty And The Metaverse

The industry is going high-tech! You'll soon be able to play around with makeup and skincare virtually. We are already starting to see this pop up. In the B2B world, this will be a way for brands to launch products first to see if consumers are interested without spending all the overhead.

It's also a way for manufactures to market their products and services without the cost tangle samples initially. It's a whole new way to connect with our customers and our customers to connect with theirs.

Mark Broussard Managing Partner, Desert In Bloom Cosmetics Lab

Skin Minimalism 2.0

Skin minimalism 2.0 is a trend towards highly effective products with lean list of ingredients employing combinations of multifunctional ingredients. This trend is primarily driven by consumers who are seeking cosmetic products that produce a noticeable improvement in the appearance of their skin, be it fading dark spots, reducing the appearance of wrinkles or evening skin tone.

Consumers have become more sophisticated and discerning regarding the skincare products they purchase and use. Consumers are conducting more research on skincare ingredients and are better able to differentiate between functional ingredients and marketing ingredients.

This is quite different from the past clean beauty trend of developing formulas that focused on minimizing the number of ingredients in a product. Skin minimalism 2.0 consumers are focused not on the number of ingredients per se, but on the quality and effectiveness of ingredients and performance of the product. Just because a product has only 10 ingredients is not compelling if the product does not produce results.

Skin minimalism 2.0 will usher in products coming to market that contain lean lists of ingredients, virtually no marketing/label ingredients and multiple multifunctional ingredients such as niacinamide, lactic acid and glyceryl glucoside to stimulate aquaporin-3.

Consumers will also look for highly purified, single molecule plant-derived ingredients such as dipotassium glycyrrhizate and TECA (asiaticoside, madecassic acid, asiatic acid) instead of licorice root extract and gotu kola extract.

Skin minimalism 2.0 consumers will also look for products that contain more sophisticated ingredient delivery systems such as deformable niosomes and other lipid-based encapsulation technologies to better enable the functional cosmetic ingredients to penetrate the epidermis.

AI In Cosmetic Product Development

AI tools for cosmetic chemists, cosmetic contract manufacturers and cosmetic brands are coming to market that can dramatically enhance the productivity of stakeholders in screening formulas against regulatory and retailer standards, regulatory reporting and various other tasks performed by cosmetic chemists.

AI tools targeted to this market include Cosmex.ai, Good Face Project, Worldover.io and Novi Connect. While each has distinct features, the commonality is automating regulatory and retailer compliance standard screening and automating manual tasks cosmetic chemists and regulatory professionals perform in developing a product and preparing compliance documentation to launch the product to market.

These AI tools can save cosmetic chemists and allied professional hours spent performing these tasks. Full disclosure, I am the director of marketing and development for Cosmex.ai. AI in cosmetic chemistry includes animal-free safety substantiation of new cosmetic ingredients using sophisticated predictive chemistry models to ascertain the safety profile of new ingredients.

AI is also being used in screening large chemical datasets to identify potential new cosmetic ingredients and to guide the molecular design of new cosmetic ingredients. This technology, commonly used in pharmaceutical drug development is now being used in the cosmetics industry.

The business case for AI in cosmetic product development is compelling.  Products can be brought to market much faster, using new proprietary ingredients and in-silico test models for ingredient safety profiles.

Senescent (“Zombie Cells”) Anti-Aging Products

Senescent or zombie cells are cells that no longer divide, but also do not undergo apoptosis (cell death) and autophagy. Instead, these cells exist in a suspended state where they neither continue to divide nor die.

However, zombie cells are not inactive. They secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines that induce aging and tissue deterioration. Further, secretions from zombie cell can induce adjacent healthy cells into a state of senscence. The trigger to induce senescense in cells is thought to be DNA damage caused by free radicals.

Polyphenols and flavonoids have been shown in in-vitro models to be senolytic, thus selectively promoting cell death of senescent cells. Look for companies to introduce anti-aging topical products and companion oral supplements specifically targeted at mitigating senescence.

Senolytic anti-aging topicals may contain various combinations of naturally derived ingredients such as apigenin, quercetin, phloretin, curcumin, bergamot polyphenol fraction, genistein, glycyrrhizic acid, baicalin, mangiferin, fisetin, rhododendron ferrugineum (alpine rose) leaves extract, gingerenone A. A particularly interesting synolytic ingredient is biooptimized guava.

From a business perspective, the combination of naturally derived senolytic ingredients with strong antioxidants such as resveratrol can create an entirely new category of anti-aging cosmeceuticals and companion senolytic oral supplements.

Neurocosmetics

Neurocosmetics is a relatively new concept that topically applied cosmetic ingredients can bind with receptors triggering a positive neurological response such as the release of beta-endorphins. Neurocosmetics can range from commonly used topical ingredients such as menthol that tricks the brain into focusing on the cooling effect as menthol evaporates from the skin as opposed to pain.

CBD and copaiba oleoresin are thought to bind to cannabinoid receptors to reduce pain.  Tephrosia purpurea was observed to stimulate the release of beta-endorphin and dopamine while reducing cortisol levels.

Happybelle-PE from Mibelle Biochemistry is a phyto-endorphin complex derived from monk’s pepper thought to bind to opioid receptors causing an analgesic effect and sense of well-being.    Vytrus Biotech’s Sensia Carota derived from the flowers of orange carrots is targeted towards sensitive skin, reducing erythema and transepidermal water loss.

Neurocosmetics is still in its infancy, but drives the concept of “well-aging.” Look for brands to introduce more products touting neurocosmetic ingredients in 2024 tied to a marketing message of holistic skincare and well-aging. It is too early to tell if consumers will embrace neurocosmetics and observe noticeable effects or if neurocosmetics will be the CBD of 2024.

Megan Cox Founder and CEO, Genie Supply

Regulatory Challenges Leading To Market Consolidation

With the birth and enforcement of new MoCRA regulations, the operational and compliance costs for indie beauty brands are set to increase. Smaller players may find it increasingly difficult to meet these stringent standards, especially those related to safety, labeling and adverse event reporting.

This could lead to market consolidation, where only the brands with strong financial backing or those who adapt quickly to regulatory changes can survive and thrive. The trend will likely favor companies that are proactive in compliance and can scale their operations efficiently, or who have strong partners to educate and assist. As a result, we may witness a rise in strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions within the beauty sector as companies look to pool resources and share the burden of compliance.

The Rise Of Upcycled Beauty Ingredients

The beauty industry is seeing a significant shift towards sustainability, with upcycling becoming a key part of the narrative. The use of byproducts from other industries as ingredients in beauty products is a creative and eco-friendly trend that reduces waste and adds value to otherwise discarded materials.

Expect to see more sophisticated use of biotechnology to refine these ingredients and enhance their benefits. Brands will likely invest in storytelling around their upcycled ingredients, emphasizing the circular economy and how these practices contribute to a more sustainable world. This trend may also lead to closer collaborations between the beauty industry and suppliers from food and other sectors to source upcycled materials.

Micro-Plastic Free And The Demand For Biodegradable Products And Packaging

Moving away from microplastics and towards fully biodegradable ingredients and packaging will be a significant trend. As consumer awareness about the environmental impact of their purchase choices increases, there will be a growing demand for products that do not contribute to pollution. This will drive innovation in the formulation of beauty products as well as in the materials used for packaging.

Brands will be challenged to ensure that their products are not only effective, but also have a minimal environmental footprint. This push towards biodegradability is expected to go beyond mere "greenwashing" and will likely be substantiated with certifications and evidence as consumers become more discerning and regulatory bodies more stringent. To gain a competitive edge, beauty brands may invest in R&D to discover new biodegradable compounds that perform as well as or better than conventional materials.

Andrea Rodriguez Account Specialist, Indigo Private Label Cosmetics

People are buying less so multifunctional products are a big trend. People want more bang for their bang, and they want efficiency. The market has become so saturated, you can’t just launch a lipstick or a serum anymore and hope that people will get excited about it.

Years ago, you could launch a really great clean lipstick and that was innovative. Clean is becoming the standard, so now it has to go so far above and beyond to stand out. I think we're also going to see a lot more men’s products and sexual wellness products.

Of course, AI is going to have a big impact on the beauty industry by making it more personalized. Hopefully, with that comes more transparency, but we’ll see.

Marc Desmarais Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Blue Beautylab

Between the cost-of-living crisis sweeping the globe and the looming threats of climate change, consumers are demanding cost-effective products that deliver results while minimizing environmental impact. This will translate to a return to more tried, tested and true ingredients and less exotic and seemingly “frivolous” ingredients that may sound interesting, but do not have proven track record for delivering visible results. The continued growth of doctors and scientists as social media influencers will continue to reinforce this trend.

Consumer pressure for more sustainable products is pushing brands and manufacturers to adopt new practices, develop new product formats and processes to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve sustainability management certifications. To uphold the standards of their certifications, manufacturers must now dictate strict packaging and manufacturing processes and the brands need to adapt.

We expect to see a lot of rebranding and new packaging designs as brands need to quickly transition to recyclable and plastic-free packaging solutions. We expect lead times to get longer and more forecasting and planning to be needed as many manufacturers no longer accept airfreight in an effort to lower their carbon footprint.

With the ongoing conflict in the Ukraine, the world’s biggest producer of sunflower oil, and the current conflict in Israel, the world’s biggest producer of jojoba oil, manufacturers will have to closely monitor the supply and consider new, innovative and alternative sources for these materials to avoid delivery delays and pricing surges.

Manufacturers now have more pressure and responsibility to lead brands down the path of sustainability and a stable supply chain. The brands are no longer in total control of the whole product development process and will continue to rely more and more on manufacturer’s insight and expertise in sourcing sustainable, traceable ingredients that can deliver on the results that consumers demand.

Lastly, as the industry continues to strive for more inclusivity, brands and manufacturers need to add age demographics as an inclusivity parameter.  The focus will shift away from all genders and race of millenials and gen Z and start to tackle the specific needs of our aging population.

Thomas Mooy CEO, Allure Beauty Concepts

Technology Drives Efficiencies In R&D And Speed To Market

Allure Beauty Concepts (ABC) has recently adopted an AI-powered product formulation, regulatory compliance and innovation software solution. We believe this will significantly improve efficiencies, throughput, speed to market, quality and our ability to bring new products and innovations to our clients.

Blurring Lines Between Beauty And Wellness

Beauty is no longer just about aesthetics, but consumers expand the sector to include wellness, nutrition and self-care: Beauty from the outside and from within. We see this reflected in the development of new products by including ingredients such as probiotics. And, when we think about M&A, we include the broader sector of wellness.

More Emerging Brands Will Struggle

I expect emerging indie brands to continue to struggle as access to and cost of capital remains very challenging in the year(s) to come with no relief in sight. This puts pressure on CMs in terms of pricing, payment terms and MOQs.

More Biotech-Driven Innovation And Sustainability

As with the tectonic breakthroughs that biotech brought to the field of medicine, the impact of biotech in beauty will be massive. Biotech has the potential to create alternatives (likely more efficacious as well) to animal and plant-based ingredients without the environmental impact.

Christina Mahar Founder and CEO, Craft Beauty Lab

Sustainable Practices And More Clean Beauty Formulations

As a skincare manufacturer, we anticipate the beauty industry to see a significant rise in sustainable practices and a growing emphasis on clean beauty formulations in the coming year. Customers are being increasingly eco-conscious, demanding products that align with their environmental values. We'll see more manufacturers focusing on eco-friendly packaging, sourcing of ingredients, and reducing water consumption in their production processes.

Additionally, the clean beauty trend will continue to gain momentum, influencing our formulation choices and continuing to promote transparency through ingredient labeling. Dissolvable single-use packaging [will become an] actual viable option.

Holistic Wellness Integration

We expect the skincare industry to place a growing emphasis on holistic wellness integration in 2024. Consumers are recognizing that skincare isn't just about external beauty, but also about overall well-being.

Skincare manufacturers are exploring formulations that incorporate ingredients that promote emotional wellness, stress reduction and mindfulness. The trend extends beyond traditional skincare into a more comprehensive and experiential approach to beauty and self-care, enhancing the consumers holistic experience.

Integration Of Technology

The integration if advanced technology is a trend that will significantly impact the skincare manufacturing sector. AI, AR and data analytics are tools that will continue to shape the industry. AI algorithms will help create tailored products by analyzing lots of data related to consumers skin needs. AR applications enable customers to virtually try skincare products before purchase, making informed decisions.

Data analytics help us better understand customer behavior and preferences, guiding our product development based on the market. AI will start to impact every area of the industry, from how chemists build formulas to how consumers obtain info and compare Ingredients and products, analyze what their skin needs and select products.

Justine Sallee Senior Brand Manager, Colorlab Custom Cosmetics

Sustainability And Clean Beauty

The beauty industry is increasingly embracing sustainability and clean beauty practices. Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, creating a need for products that are eco-friendly, cruelty-free and produced with minimal waste. Brands that focus on reducing their carbon footprint, using sustainable packaging and formulating products with natural and clean ingredients are likely to gain popularity.

Customization And Personalization

Creating the perfect products that are tailored to your specific needs, from personalized products to custom experiences will continue to grow in the beauty space. Custom skincare formulations based on individual needs [and] personalized makeup shades with technology-driven personalization [are] expected to grow. The use of AI and data analysis to determine the best products for each customer will likely become more prevalent.

Inclusivity And Diversity

There's a growing demand for beauty products that cater to a wide range of skin tones, hair types, and cultural backgrounds. Brands that support inclusivity and diversity in their marketing, product offerings and shade ranges are likely to succeed. Consumers are seeking products that embrace their unique beauty.

Keep in mind that the beauty industry is highly competitive and constantly evolving, and trends can change rapidly. Therefore, it's important for beauty manufacturers to stay attuned to consumer preferences, adapt to emerging trends and remain agile in their product development and marketing strategies to remain relevant in the market.

David Chung Founder and CEO, iLABS and Morae Packaging

At iLabs, there's really three areas that we see demand and feel are going to be growing. One area is very innovative body care. We see that demand and sun care as well. Sun care has always had a demand, but we see more in that area. Then, there is the sustainable packaging.

The consumer is looking to take skincare beyond the face and neck, and the demand for quality body products with an innovative delivery system, key ingredients or components is on the rise. We see body care growing in Sephora and other retail arenas.

For example, I challenged my chemist to create a powder body wash. We've seen powder face wash, but we could do the same thing for the body. It’s waterless and a very sustainable way of washing and taking care of your body instead of using shower gel.

Asia continues to lead innovation. We have a team of chemists at iLABS South Korea that focuses on OTC SPF formulations. We have really upgraded the SPF air cushion compact, making it into a next-generation product. The upgraded air cushion gets rid of the messy application and allows for an easy application without touching the formula. In sun care, people are looking for innovation with high SPF, a minimum of SPF 50.

While we have miles to go for sustainability, in the last five years, this is a trend, and we are seeing great strides on the manufacturing side with the consumer growing interest. We own Morae Packaging, and we really focus on refillable components, recycled materials, mono-material components, and just making everything simpler to minimize as much as we can. We continue to strive to do more with packaging.

Christine Raitt Director of Sales, Elevation Labs

1. Personalization

• • Customers are more knowledgeable than ever because of advancing technologies. From their access to information, they learn what is best for their specific skin type. This understanding creates a need to have beauty products that specifically cater to their skin needs/concerns.
  • Brands are following this trend by using artificial intelligence and augmented reality. These technologies give customers real time results for best used products.
  • This will require brands to offer more products and ensure they cover all skin types and all skin concerns.
  • CMs will have to maintain that product overload along with its unique nature.

2. Sustainability

• • Along with personalization, consumers are driving the demand for sustainability. The consumer knows the negative impact that formulas, components and other material goods and processes have on the environment and therefore seek environmentally friendly products/packaging, etc.
  • The sustainability trend is featured in formulas, components, production operations and other sustainable efforts such as recycling, electricity and water usage and overall power sources.
  • Sustainability and transparency is the new “clean.”
  • CMs will continue to be challenged to show not only how they are formulating or sourcing components in a more environmentally focused way, but also what processes, systems, equipment, programs, etc., they have to yield a smaller environmental footprint in the world.

3. Men’s Beauty Products

• • Over 50% of men are buying more skincare products today than they were five years ago.
  • CMs are continuously challenged to show new and innovative products specifically geared towards men.

If you have a question you’d like Beauty Independent to ask beauty manufacturers, please send it to editor@beautyindependent.com.