24 TRENDING TECHNOLOGIES
frontiers of innovation in cosmetic science. Formulators are the true alchemists of
the beauty world, seamlessly blending art and science. Notably, their expertise extends far beyond a knowledge of ingredients and chemical reactions. A skilled formulator possesses a unique
ability to translate abstract concepts and diverse inputs into tangible, effective products. They act as a crucial bridge between raw science and human desire—taking the vision of brand creators, data from market research, trends identified by product development teams, and regulatory requirements, and synthesizing all of this into a physical formula. They translate marketing briefs and
consumer wishes into viable products, balancing competing demands of efficacy, safety, sensory appeal, and cost. This requires not just technical skill, but empathy and imagination – the ability to put themselves in the shoes of diverse consumers and anticipate their needs and preferences. In the context of a formulator’s role,
AI is a powerful tool, not a magic wand. Human expertise is crucial in interpreting AI suggestions, understanding subtle nuances in texture and sensory attributes, and more. Just like any other technological
advancement in history, though, AI will impact existing ways of working. The most successful formulators will adapt and evolve, improving their AI literacy and learning to leverage these new tools. They will use AI to handle repetitive tasks and data analysis, freeing up their creativity for more innovative work. Imagine a formulator, inspired by a sunset, using AI to quickly analyze thousands of pigment combinations to find the perfect, stable blend that captures that ephemeral glow. This relationship between human creativity
and AI capabilities is what has the potential to drive unprecedented innovation in the beauty industry. The formulator of the future will be a renaissance professional – part scientist, part artist, part data interpreter – using AI as a tool in ways we are only beginning to imagine. As AI takes on more of the routine aspects of formulation, human formulators will be free to push the boundaries of their craft, exploring new textures, effects, and experiences that were previously out of reach. In this exciting new landscape, the irreplaceable human touch of the formulator will become more valuable than ever, guiding the industry towards innovations that are not just technically impressive, but deeply resonant with human desires and experiences. Maintaining product uniqueness Many formulators and brands worry that AI-assisted formulation might lead to a sea of identical products. It is a valid concern at first glance. If everyone is using AI, will we all end up with the same formulations? This fear, however, may be a
misrepresentation of how AI works in formulation. AI is not a magic formula generator that spits out identical recipes for everyone. Instead, think of it as a super-smart research assistant that helps you sift through mountains
PERSONAL CARE November 2024
of data and possibilities faster than ever before. Even if formulators were to use the same
AI platform, the outcomes would be far from identical. Think of AI as a sophisticated tool that adapts to each user’s unique inputs, goals, and constraints. It is like giving a group of chefs the same well-equipped kitchen – they will still create vastly different dishes based on their individual skills, preferences, and creative visions. Whether you are prioritizing cost-
effectiveness, sustainability, or unique sensory experiences, the AI tailors its suggestions accordingly. Furthermore, the vast number of potential ingredient combinations and formulation techniques means that the chances of two brands ending up with identical products are incredibly slim. Human creativity remains irreplaceable. AI
is a tool, not a substitute for human ingenuity. It might suggest an interesting ingredient combination, but it takes human insight to know how to balance that for the perfect texture or scent.
With AI handling much of the grunt work,
though, formulators can iterate and experiment more quickly, allowing more unique products to be developed and tested in less time. Perhaps fewer iterations would lead to less time, energy, and resources wasted as well. With the continued rise of customization
and personalization in beauty—the industry is already pushing towards more unique beauty products. In the future, rather than being ‘one- size-fits-all’, formulations could be tailored not just to skin type, but to an individual’s microbiome, lifestyle, and even DNA.
The future of beauty formulation in the age of AI Let’s face it: AI is poised to change the game in beauty formulation, and we are just scratching the surface. In the coming years, we are likely to see some mind-blowing innovations. Imagine AI systems that can predict product trends before they even hit the market, or
algorithms that can design entire product lines tailored to hyper-specific consumer segments. We might even see AI-powered labs that can whip up and test formulations in record time, dramatically speeding up the product development cycle. As for formulators and product developers?
Their roles are evolving, not disappearing. The future formulator will be part chemist, part data scientist, and part AI whisperer. They will need to know how to speak the language of both molecules and algorithms, interpreting AI insights and applying them creatively. It is an exciting time to be in beauty R&D – those who embrace AI as a powerful tool rather than a threat will be the ones shaping the future of beauty.
Conclusion AI in beauty formulation is not just a passing fad. It is the future, and it is happening now. To build sustainable momentum, best-in-class beauty brands will need to create real value from product differentiation, supported by greater productivity. Agility and speed to market—which the use
of new technologies such as AI and generative AI can enable—will distinguish the best from the rest, as will the ability to cultivate strong communities of loyal customers.2
we expect the next few years to be an exciting time in the world of beauty innovation.
Needless to say, PC
References 1. Euromonitor International. Voice of the Industry survey. November 2023. https://
www.gcimagazine.com/consumers-markets/ article/22893869/the-next-5-years-in- beauty-ai-hero-ingredients-pricing-more
2. McKinsey & Company. The beauty boom and beyond: Can the industry maintain its growth? 11 September 2024. https://
www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer- packaged-goods/our-insights/the-beauty- boom-and-beyond-can-the-industry- maintain-its-growth
www.personalcaremagazine.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100
