Higher Perspectives: A new era for skincare and wellness in the U.S.

In their latest inspiration report titled Higher Perspectives – The Future of Skincare & Wellness, forecasting and innovation agency Cosmetics Inspiration & Creation explores the key market shifts in the skincare sector driven by evolving consumer behaviors and societal changes. Spotlighting emerging brands, breakthrough products, and viral trends shaping the beauty landscape, the report identifies six beauty archetypes that represent future directions for the beauty industry. Presentation by Leïla Rochet, founder of the agency.

Premium Beauty News – How did you settle on the title, “Higher Perspectives”?

Leïla Rochet – Cosmetics IC – Higher Perspectives is an invitation to take a broader view of the skincare market and draw inspiration from the U.S., one of the most dynamic markets in the world. As consumers prioritize wellbeing, skincare has become an essential ritual, while science and technology are reshaping the market, driving innovation and performance. Emerging trends highlight the pursuit of higher value – hyper-perfection, high performance, sensory overload. The report answers some pertinent questions: How can we innovate in this rapidly evolving market? How can we stand out in the context of rising wellness brands, a makeup market that is being skinified, and the rise of aesthetic salons? How can we secure long-term success? Our report provides the strategic insights and inspirations to help brands thrive in tomorrow’s skincare category.

Premium Beauty News – How did you identify these trends?

Leïla Rochet – Our work is based on our Prospective Intelligence Method. This involves a thorough analysis of the U.S. market, including 50 days of research trips to the East and West coast per year, alongside an in-depth review of the latest data, articles, and studies on U.S. consumer behavior and market activity. Our in-house Chemist then leads a comprehensive product analysis, while our Social Media team tracks what’s trending across TikTok and Instagram. We work with Tribe Dynamics and Spate to feed our report with the latest data analysis (google and social media). The agency also collaborates with Makeup in where we have the privilege of hosting a series of Beauty Talks (8 in total) between the New York and Los Angeles events. Here, we talk to leading industry players – from CEOs and brand founders to scientists and influencers – who share insights from the frontline of beauty.

Premium Beauty News – What are the general shifts in attitudes and expectations that you’ve seen from U.S. consumers, in relation to the skincare category?

Leïla Rochet – As societal expectations evolve, the boundaries between health and skincare are dissolving, with consumers seeking solutions that are more personalized, science-driven, and professionally endorsed. We have also noted the increasing emphasis being placed on sensoriality, almost equal to efficacy. Experience is everything. In general, consumers are seeking products that deliver far more than just results.

Premium Beauty News – One of your chapters is dedicated to social media. Can you tell us about the impact of social media on skincare?

Leïla Rochet – Social media’s influence on skincare and wellness is undeniable, with 76% of Millennials and Gen Z saying it has positively impacted their skincare routine, and 47% noting increased awareness of skin health [1]. Using the Tribe Dynamics tool, we’ve seen a +94% rise in TikTok Earned Media Value (EMV) among top brands in the first half of the year.

At Cosmetics Inspiration & Creation, we track over 100 brands and influencers with our algorithm, identifying key trends in our monthly Social Media Report. These trends include the rise of Gen Alpha favorites like Glow Recipe and Drunk Elephant, the second wave of K-Beauty booming on Amazon, and the continued growth of derma-brands and medi-influencers shaping the skincare conversation. These insights show how digital platforms are not just amplifying trends but also evolving the discussion around skin health and wellness.

Premium Beauty News – Can you outline some of the beauty archetypes identified in the report?

Leïla Rochet – We are always asking how we can better serve our clients and support their product development in practical, relatable terms. This is why we decided to present our analysis as six beauty archetypes, each defined by unique traits and desires, who offer a clear roadmap for product development and messaging. However, keep in mind that profiles can coexist, as individuals are becoming multi-faceted.

By doing this we define market opportunities, represented by consumers who are easily identifiable but also aspirational. For example, The Derma-Authority is our savvy consumer, for whom the lines between beauty and medicine are blurred. They are highly discerning and navigate the intersection of beauty and medical science with supreme knowledge and expertise. For them, skincare is not just a routine – it’s a lifestyle pursuit where aesthetics and health seamlessly converge.

The Great Sensationalist is an enthusiastic curator of experiences, seeking out new products, tools, and packaging that add a thrilling dimension to their daily routines. In this chapter, we investigate the move from “skinstyle to lifestyle”, and spotlight the latest indie brands exploring the enhanced tactility in skincare, from balms and soufflés to jelly milks.

Premium Beauty News – What practical guidance do you give brands?

Leïla Rochet – Every archetype and universe that we identify is supported in practical terms by actionable recommendations – what we call Innovation Seeds and Inspiration Seeds. This is our opportunity to get down to the details of product development, R&D, and marketing, and suggest ways in which brands can act on the information we provide. Whether that is suggesting semantics or narrative fields, influencer types and social media strategies, or recommending specific ingredients, new formats, or packaging solutions. Our reports are where the product development journey begins.

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