Cosmetics trends and changes in consumer preferences

The cosmetics industry has recently been in the midst of rapid change. With globalization, digital transformation, and changes in consumer values, the cosmetics market is showing a completely different aspect than in the past. In particular, after the pandemic, consumers have become more inclined to improve their quality of life and look for healthier and more sustainable products. This change has gone beyond the simple performance or price of products to include the philosophy and social responsibility of brands.

When choosing cosmetics, consumers now consider not only their personal skin type or preferences, but also environmental protection, ethical consumption, and the values ​​of the brand. Against this backdrop, the cosmetics industry is evolving while reflecting various trends. Therefore, brands need more creative and innovative approaches to meet the changing needs of consumers.

In this blog post, we will analyze the current major trends and changes in consumer preferences in the cosmetics industry and suggest future directions. We will examine how each trend is affecting consumers and how brands should respond.
Cosmetics trends and changes in consumer preferences
1. Sustainable Cosmetics
As awareness of environmental issues increases, demand for sustainable cosmetics is increasing. Consumers prefer brands that use eco-friendly ingredients and packaging, and they want to express their values ​​through this. Products that use recyclable packaging or vegan ingredients are gaining popularity.

2. Personalized Products
Consumers want customized products that are right for them. Customized cosmetics that are tailored to individual skin types, preferences, and lifestyles are being released using AI and big data technology, which provides greater satisfaction to consumers. For example, services that diagnose an individual’s skin condition and recommend the best product through an online survey are gaining attention.
Cosmetics trends and changes in consumer preferences
3. Clean Beauty
‘Clean Beauty’ is a trend that excludes chemical ingredients and uses natural ingredients. Consumers are looking for safe and healthy products and demand transparency in ingredients. Brands are disclosing the ingredients used in products in detail and making efforts to ensure that consumers can use them with confidence.

4. Multi-functional Products
Multi-functional products are gaining popularity for modern people who are short on time. For example, products that simultaneously provide moisturizing cream and tone-up functions, or products that simultaneously provide UV protection and makeup base functions, are receiving great responses from consumers.
Cosmetics trends and changes in consumer preferences
5. Increase in online shopping
As online shopping has surged since the pandemic, many consumers are purchasing cosmetics online rather than at offline stores. Accordingly, brands are strengthening their digital marketing strategies and utilizing various channels to communicate with consumers. Product reviews and influencer marketing through SNS are playing an important role.

6. Social responsibility and ethical consumption
Consumers now consider the social responsibility of brands important and are pursuing ethical consumption. There is a growing preference for brands that adhere to fair trade or brands that conduct campaigns to raise awareness of social issues.

The cosmetics industry is continuously evolving in line with the changing needs of consumers. Various trends such as sustainability, personalization, and clean beauty are influencing consumer preferences, and brands are at a point where they need to seek new strategies. It will be important to continue to closely monitor these trends and strengthen communication with consumers.