Science is reshaping beauty — from the surface of the skin to the depths of the mind. Today’s innovation isn’t just about new actives or delivery systems. It’s about understanding how the brain predicts benefits, how the skin reflects systemic health, and how tech and biology are converging to create more adaptive and emotionally intelligent products.
Beginning with neuroscience, Unilever researchers explain how the predictive brain constructs rather than merely observes product benefits. In response, the authors designed fragranced formulas to manipulate this early processing step by the predictive brain. Results indicated they enhanced product experiences by shifting mood, perception and even cognition.
In this same feel-good space, the growing role of emotional wellness in skin health is investigated by Hemali Gunt, Ph.D., while Steventon delves into how the face serves as a portal to monitor systemic aging — and could provide access for treatments.
Industry experts examine digital and technological platforms — e.g., smart packaging, predictive diagnostics, AI, etc. — reshaping R&D pipelines to create biologically aware, personalized products. This tech shift coincides with massive market momentum: the global beauty tech market was estimated at US $66.16 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand at a 17.9% CAGR from 2025 to 2030 to reach $172.99 billion.1
Zooming out from the psyche and mind, this edition also tackles surface level issues of barrier protection and sensitive skin — the latter of which is on track to surpass $68 billion by 2029.2 Experts from Core Biogenesis, Lucas Meyer and Nagase Viita weigh in with biomimetic, barrier-boosting and other answers to drive this fast-moving category.
In relation, Tomás and Simões consider how shaving compromises male skin as well as biological differences that put male skin at a disadvantage. Nanotechnology is offered as a solution. And Yvon, et al., present niacinamide as a dual-function ingredient to not only impart well-known skin benefits, but also provide antimicrobial product protection.
As a bonus, this issue unpacks EU and UK rules on sunscreen labeling and testing, and debuts the new “Biotechnology in Beauty” column by Krupa Koestline, offering a chemist’s view into biotech's formulation future.
As science pushes beauty deeper into the brain, skin barrier health and beyond, this issue maps where we’re headed next: more intelligent, integrated and human-centered personal care.
References
- https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/beauty-tech-market-report
- https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/sensitive-skin-care-products-global-market-report
