The cosmetic science field may be focused on creating beauty products, but it's far from a superficial, surface-level industry. In fact, it's an industry that relies heavily on the latest technology and scientific advancements in order to grow, thrive and develop the products that today's ever-aware, ever-conscious consumers crave.
At eSpelman, we offer an innovative cosmetic science certificate that provides students with the fundamental knowledge they need to understand the inner workings of this industry. As one of the leading historically Black colleges and universities in the country, we are proud of the fact that our certificate program focuses on beauty industry trends and needs in communities of African descent, which have been long underrepresented in the industry as a whole.
If you are looking to take your career to the next level with a cosmetic science certificate, it's important to stay abreast of the latest changes and trends shaping the industry. The cosmetic industry trends of today will heavily influence the products of tomorrow, and if you are going to be a thought leader in this sector, you will need to be aware of the up-and-coming beauty industry trends.
The cosmetic industry trends of 2023 wrap science and technology into the world of social justice and equality, creating a dynamic environment for those who want to begin their career in the industry. These are the most influential trends to watch:
Gone are the days when consumers wanted to have a drawer full of endless skincare and beauty products to incorporate into their beauty regimen. Instead, today's cosmetics consumers are looking for innovative hybrid products that combine both makeup and skincare into one convenient bottle. These multi-use hybrid products provide superior results in less time, ultimately allowing users to enjoy an effortless cosmetic routine.
Some of the new product formats showing up on the market include:
● Serum-infused makeup, which helps reduce the impact of aging, adds moisture to the skin, and provides a layer of makeup to enhance skin’s appearance.
● Multi-functional skincare products, which tackle several functions at once, such as hydrating and moisturizing the skin, increasing its firmness, and reducing the impact of fine lines and wrinkles.
Sustainability is playing a central role in the modern cosmetics industry, and that trend is not going to fade away anytime soon. Beauty products and brands will continue to have to prioritize their sustainability efforts as consumers demand eco-friendly products.
More and more people are looking to use cosmetics that were created using safe, locally-sourced ingredients rather than chemical-infused cosmetics that can have a negative impact on the environment. In addition, they prefer to purchase beauty products that are in refillable or reusable containers. Brands that rely heavily on cheap plastic packaging will begin to suffer as consumers start to avoid it in favor of products with packaging that can be reused or recycled. Waste reduction is a top priority among today's cosmetics consumers.
Just a few short decades ago, most consumers didn't even notice what ingredients were in their beauty products. They simply took the products at face value, placing an innate trust in the brand to provide them with safe, effective, and reliable cosmetics. While many of these products did offer the desired results, they were also packed full of ingredients that were not necessarily beneficial for people or the environment.
Today, thanks in part to influencer and social media marketing, there is an increased push for cosmetics that are created with safe, non-toxic ingredients. According to MarketResearch.com, this demand has caused top beauty brands to begin reformulating their products to eliminate harmful ingredients, resulting in a clean cosmetics industry boom.
Prior to the pandemic, some beauty brands were just beginning to explore their e-commerce options. It was difficult to get consumers to shop online for makeup and skincare products that users typically need to try before making a final decision. However, the need for online shopping increased exponentially at the height of the pandemic, ushering in a long-lasting cultural shift when it came to consumer spending habits and expectations.
Today, cosmetics industry experts are finding that innovative Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality technology allow them to provide their target audience with a customized experience that instills consumers with the confidence they need to finalize their purchase. AI and VR technology allows users to virtually "try on" makeup and skincare products, giving them a realistic expectation of the results and motivating them to complete an e-commerce purchase. Experts agree that AI and VR technology will continue to redefine daily life in many ways, and the cosmetic science industry is no exception.
Some surprising social changes have taken place in the aftermath of the global pandemic, including in the cosmetic science industry. One trend that quickly took shape was the wellness trend, in which individuals began to prioritize self-care and wellness amid a global health and mental health crisis.
As a result, the demand for skincare beauty products and treatments is incredibly high. In fact, the skincare segment is considered the fastest-growing niche in the beauty industry. Beauty brands are looking to develop multi-use skincare products that prioritize clean, natural ingredients to take advantage of this growing trend.
From its inception, the beauty industry was notoriously homogenous. Aimed primarily at white, upper-middle-class women, most products were designed with one audience in mind and failed to meet the needs of the diverse range of people who regularly rely on those products.
Today, the best beauty brands recognize that there is no one type of person who relies on cosmetics and beauty products. As a result, they strive to create an array of products that are formulated for people of various skin tones and colors as well as those with different hair textures and styles.
Of course, these same brands are also working to acknowledge the fact that people of all genders also want to have access to cosmetics that allow them to look and feel their best. Diversity is no longer an exception in the beauty industry — it's the expectation.
Traditional advertising, such as print ads in magazines and commercials on TV, long held the reins of power in the beauty industry. Today, however, the ability to influence and motivate consumers to purchase beauty products lies with social media influencers. A high-profile beauty influencer can promote one product in just one piece of content, and sales for that product will instantly skyrocket. Recognizing this unique power, cosmetic science professionals need to work in tandem with TikTok influencers and other social media stars to spread the word about their products. The era of social commerce has begun in earnest, and it's not likely to end anytime soon.
Things are unlikely to remain the same for long in this dynamic industry, which is heavily influenced by shifting trends and consumer preferences. In the coming years, expect to see more demand for meaningful, natural cosmetics products that promote self-expression rather than conformity. Users will continue to search for advanced products that offer premier, personalized results, leading to an increased demand for cosmetic science experts who boast the skills needed to take this industry into the future.
The online cosmetic science certificate program through eSpelman will give you insight into the science and technology that drives the beauty industry forward, as well as an in-depth look into the needs of people of African descent within the industry. Our coursework provides not only a retrospective glance at the history of the industry but also looks at the beauty industry trends for these communities and how qualified professionals can best represent them.
Request more information about our cosmetic science certificate program today.