How Beauty Tech Is Changing the Industry As We Know It

Just a few decades ago, things looked quite different in the beauty industry, and the phrase “beauty tech” didn’t mean much to the average consumer other than referring to their manicurist or aesthetician. Since then, some big technologically driven shifts have taken place in the beauty business, and beauty tech brings to mind some truly breathtaking scientific advancements in the beauty and wellness space.

We live in an era where robots do lashes, cutting-edge apps can analyze your skin and offer personalized insights, and revolutionary beauty devices like LED masks can deliver impressive results from the comfort of home. From smart devices to artificial intelligence-powered apps, beauty tech innovations are transforming the industry, our skin care routines, and customer experiences—and they’re not stopping anytime soon.

What is beauty tech?

“Beauty tech” used to be short for “beauty technician”—a trained professional who performs a specific beauty treatment or service (e.g., facials, manicures, hair removal, etc.). Now, though, the phrase has taken on a whole new meaning, referring to the integration of new technologies that are changing how we approach beauty entirely.

Various factors have contributed to this shift, from the rise of social media and online shopping to our views on aging and skin care, to name just a few. Analyzing these trends, the industry saw an opportunity to infuse technology into the beauty sector by developing new, advanced beauty products and devices and creating a more personalized shopping experience for consumers to put them in the driver’s seat.

We’ve witnessed this through the emergence of augmented reality (AR) and) AI-powered tools, like virtual apps that let people digitally try on makeup products and skin and hair analyzers that make specific product recommendations based on an individual’s skin conditions or needs.

We’re also seeing an influx of beauty brands using technology to fuel innovation in product formulas and ingredients, and biotech research has led to the development of new, never-before-seen ingredients for skin, hair, and cosmetics. A prime example: replacing ingredients traditionally found in nature with lab-grown versions that are both more sustainable and have enhanced efficacy. For those looking to start a beauty business, exploring new technologies can be a good place to start.

9 beauty tech innovations

1. AI skin analysis
2. Virtual makeup try-on
3. Biotechnology
4. Ingredient analyzers
5. LED therapy devices
6. Cleansing devices
7. Smart hairstyling tools
8. AI hair + scalp analyzer
9. Microcurrent devices

1. AI skin analysis

As the name suggests, AI skin analysis involves using artificial intelligence to analyze your skin through digital images. It’s as simple as taking a selfie and uploading it on your computer or phone. Skin analysis tools use advanced algorithms trained on a vast array of skin images to identify skin concerns and help people make more informed decisions about the beauty products they buy.

For instance, Face Age AI Skin Analysis is an app that can detect more than 250 different skin concerns from a single photo. Once you upload your picture, the tool scans it and provides personalized recommendations based on your unique concerns—whether it be sun damage, dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and so on.

Also worth noting: Many major brands such as Cetaphil, Vichy, and L’Oréal are using skin analysis tools to engage customers and make the shopping experience more personalized.

2. Virtual makeup try-on

Long gone are the days of dipping your fingers and disposable applicators into tester tubes of makeup that myriad other people have already used. Virtual try-on tools powered by AR technology took off during the pandemic, when it became nearly impossible to shop for makeup in-store, and brands needed to develop a more hygienic way for people to try products before buying them.

It didn’t take long to discover that virtual makeup try-on tools also contribute to a more personalized customer experience that allows shoppers to actually see what products and makeup shades will look like on their face before purchasing. For example, YouCam Virtual Try-On enables brands to implement the try-on feature in their ecommerce stores and mobile apps, with up to 10 different makeup product categories available. Virtual try-on tools are used by countless cosmetics brands now, and we can expect them to become increasingly more mainstream in the coming years.

3. Biotechnology

Biotechnology is the process of using biological techniques and processes to develop new ingredients and product formulations in a lab. Case in point: K18 Hair’s products are powered by its patented K18PEPTIDE, which mimics the natural structure of keratin (the primary protein found in human hair) to help reconnect broken keratin chains and strengthen hair.

Fermentation is another biotech technique that uses microorganisms—such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi—to break down natural compounds to create lab-made ingredients with smaller molecules that are more potent, stable, and bioavailable (or more easily absorbed into the skin). Enhanced bioavailability allows ingredients to penetrate deeper into the dermis and thereby deliver their nutrients more effectively.

Deinde, for instance, found that naringenin—a naturally occurring polyphenol found in citrus peels—is highly effective at reducing signs of inflammation-related aging. They then teamed up with Debut Biotech to replicate it in the lab. The biotech ingredient now powers all of Deinde’s skin care products and claims to be more potent, safe, and sustainable.

4. Ingredient analyzers

Industry leaders realized that consumers were becoming increasingly curious about the ingredients in their beauty products, what they actually do, and if they’re safe. And they responded by creating tech to remove the guesswork for their customers. Ingredient analyzers do exactly that: analyze the ingredients in beauty products to tell you their function, benefits, and level of safety.

The Think Dirty app is a leader in the space, allowing people to scan barcodes to find out more information on the product and its ingredients. It specifically focuses on finding “clean” options for people who may be trying to avoid certain ingredients. There are also tools like SkinSort that can help you find out if a product is safe for specific skin concerns, like fungal acne.

5. LED therapy devices

Light-emitting diode (LED) therapy devices work by using specific wavelengths of light to help enhance the skin’s natural physiological processes, such as collagen production.

The different wavelengths of light penetrate the skin at varying depths and address an array of skin concerns, from acne and inflammation to premature signs of aging. Red light is known for boosting collagen production, while blue light is lauded for its ability to kill acne-causing bacteria. Near infrared offers similar benefits for the skin as red light but can penetrate deeper, thereby making it potentially more effective.

LED therapy is commonly used by dermatologists and aestheticians after procedures to help accelerate healing time; however, this beauty technology has also made its way to devices on the at-home market, like CurrentBody’s LED Therapy Mask.

6. Cleansing devices

While cleansing devices have been around for decades (with Clarisonic launching its first model in 2004), we’ve seen new iterations launch over the past few years as technology has progressed. These devices use different types of technology, such as sonic vibrations, to deep-clean the skin, exfoliate, and improve product absorption. The most common types include silicone cleansing devices like Foreo’s Luna4 and rotating cleansing tools that massage your skin in circular motions.

These new devices are designed to be more effective at removing dirt, oil, and makeup than traditional cleansing methods while also providing other skin care benefits, such as reducing puffiness and boosting circulation.

7. Smart hairstyling tools

Hot tools can be damaging to the hair as well as difficult to master if you’re not a professional. Knowing this, brands like Dyson and Ghd developed solutions using different forms of technology—such as controlled heat sensors—to make their tools less damaging and more user-friendly.

Take Dyson’s famous Supersonic hair dryer: It features the brand’s Air Multiplier Technology and smart temperature control to help dry and style hair quickly while maintaining an optimal temperature that won’t damage your strands.

8. AI hair and scalp analyzer

Similar to skin analyzers, this type of technology uses AI to inspect the health of your hair and scalp to determine your specific needs and the products that will work best. Dove’s Hair Damage AI Lab is an innovative tool that uses a photo of your hair and scalp to assess hair damage and what formulas will benefit you the most.

Once the tool inspects your hair and scalp health, it sends you personalized recommendations based on your hair type and needs and includes expert advice to make the experience feel more personal.

9. Microcurrent devices

Microcurrent was first used in the 1980s as a medical treatment to stimulate muscles. Now, it’s a technology applied to skin care devices that aim to firm, tighten, and sculpt the skin. These devices use low-voltage electrical currents to help stimulate your facial muscles (much like a workout) and, when used consistently, can lead to improved texture, tone, and skin firmness.

This technology, found in gadgets like the NuFace microcurrent devices, stimulates your skin cells, which can potentially help promote collagen and elastin production for more youthful-looking skin. The one caveat? You have to be consistent, or the effects won’t stick, just like working out. That said, it typically only takes five to 10 minutes a day and is an easy and painless process you can incorporate into your daily skin care routine.