Beauty: AI, K-Beauty, Kids’ Products: Key Trends From Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025
- InsightTrendsWorld
- Apr 1
- 9 min read
Why it is the topic trending:
Insight into Beauty Industry Trends: Cosmoprof is a major international beauty trade show, and trends observed there provide valuable insights into the future direction of the beauty industry.
Emerging Consumer Demographics: The article highlights the growing importance of younger consumers (Gen Z and even younger), indicating a shift in the target audience for beauty products.
Evolution of K-Beauty: The continued expansion of K-Beauty beyond traditional skincare into categories like hair care and fragrances is a significant development in the global beauty market.
Integration of Artificial Intelligence: The increasing role of AI in product development, personalization, and diagnostic tools within the beauty sector signals a technological transformation.
Brand Focus on Global Expansion: The strategic focus of early-stage brands on smaller European and African markets due to potential US tariffs is a noteworthy business trend.
Overview:
The article summarizes key trends observed at Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025, a major beauty trade show. The prominent trends identified include the increasing significance of younger consumers in the beauty market, the evolution and diversification of K-Beauty into new product categories, and the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence in beauty product development and consumer experiences. The article also notes a strategic focus among some brands on expanding into smaller international markets.
Detailed findings:
Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025 had over 250,000 attendees and showcased several distinct trends among exhibitors.
Early-stage brands at the show indicated three key shifts: beauty consumers are getting younger, K-Beauty is evolving beyond skincare, and AI is playing a larger role in product development.
Douglas, a beauty retailer, is looking for young, fresh brands, emphasizing the convergence of health and beauty, and noting a sustainability focus in smaller markets (vegan and plastic-free beauty with natural ingredients).
Urban Outfitters' beauty buyer observed that the South Korean pavilions were fulfilling the expectation of finding products related to Gen Z: colorful, fun, and vibrantly packaged.
Kiki Glow, a South Korean brand launched in 2023, stood out with its vitamin-based, fruit-derived, vegan skincare in eye-catching packaging targeting consumers up to age 40.
Hetras, another South Korean brand debuting at Cosmoprof Bologna, focused on lifestyle fragrances, textile scents, and home diffusers with sophisticated packaging and accessible pricing.
Natu Laboratories from Spain debuted a fragrance line for very young consumers (babies to Gen Alpha), including a scent infused with prebiotics and vitamin B3. They are planning expansion into South America.
Probio-6, a K-Beauty brand, showcased its Melanocell Shampoo with probiotics for UV protection, caffeine, and niacinamide for scalp health and hair regrowth, expanding K-Beauty into hair care.
Several brands highlighted the integration of AI, including Aramhuvis Co. Ltd. from South Korea with its Artificial Intelligence Scalp Grader, and Passage Cosmetics Laboratory S.A. from Poland with a Blue Light AI-ctivated Hand Cream.
Natural You, an Italy-based company, developed an AI-powered app that uses selfies to identify skin imperfections and recommend personalized cosmetic and supplement plans.
Key takeaway:
Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025 highlighted the increasing influence of younger consumers, the evolving landscape of K-Beauty, and the transformative role of AI in the beauty industry, alongside strategic global expansion considerations for emerging brands.
Main trend:
The Evolving Beauty Landscape: Youth, Innovation, and Expansion
Description of the trend (please name it):
The Beauty Industry Remix: This trend describes the significant shifts occurring within the beauty industry, marked by a growing focus on younger consumer demographics, a diversification and expansion of established beauty trends like K-Beauty into new product categories and global markets, and the increasing integration of technological innovations such as Artificial Intelligence to enhance product development, personalization, and the overall consumer experience. This remix signifies a dynamic and adaptive industry responding to changing consumer demands and technological advancements.
What is consumer motivation:
Younger Generations Driving Trends: Gen Z and younger consumers have distinct preferences for colorful, fun, and effective beauty products.
Demand for Innovative Products: Consumers are drawn to new and exciting products that offer unique benefits, such as skincare infused with vitamins or hair care leveraging probiotics and AI.
Interest in Global Beauty Influences: K-Beauty continues to hold a strong appeal for its innovative formulations and unique approaches to beauty.
Seeking Personalized Solutions: Consumers appreciate products and tools that offer tailored recommendations and address their specific needs, as seen with AI-powered skincare analysis.
Growing Awareness of Ingredients and Formulations: Consumers are increasingly interested in ingredients like prebiotics, vitamins, and natural extracts in their beauty products.
What is driving trend:
Shifting Demographics: The growing purchasing power and influence of younger generations are forcing brands to adapt their offerings and marketing strategies.
Continued Popularity of K-Beauty: South Korea remains a hub of beauty innovation, and its influence continues to expand globally.
Technological Advancements: The rapid development of AI provides new tools and possibilities for product development, personalization, and consumer engagement within the beauty sector.
Globalization and E-commerce: These factors facilitate the discovery and distribution of beauty trends and products from around the world.
Competitive Market: The beauty industry is highly competitive, pushing brands to constantly innovate and differentiate themselves through unique products and technologies.
What is motivation beyond the trend:
Beyond specific product interests, this trend reflects a broader consumer desire for beauty products that are effective, enjoyable to use, and aligned with their values, whether that's fun packaging for younger consumers, innovative formulations from global beauty leaders, or personalized solutions powered by technology.
Description of consumers article is referring to:
Age: The article specifically mentions the increasing importance of Gen Z (under 28 in 2025) as beauty consumers, along with a focus on products for even younger demographics (babies to Gen Alpha). It also notes that Kiki Glow targets consumers up to age 40.
Gender: While not explicitly stated, the beauty industry generally caters to a wide range of genders interested in skincare, makeup, fragrance, and personal care products. The specific trends mentioned (K-Beauty, AI tools) likely appeal across genders.
Income: The diverse range of brands and products showcased at Cosmoprof, from K-Beauty with varied price points to AI-powered technologies, suggests an interest from consumers across different income levels.
Lifestyle: Consumers who are engaged with beauty trends, active on social media (where many of these trends originate), and interested in both innovative and effective beauty solutions. They are likely to be digitally savvy and open to trying new products and technologies in their beauty routines.
Conclusions:
The trends observed at Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025 indicate a dynamic and evolving beauty industry that is increasingly catering to younger consumers, embracing the innovation of K-Beauty in broader categories, and leveraging the power of AI to create personalized and effective products. Brands are also strategically considering global expansion in a changing international landscape.
Implications for brands:
Focus on Younger Demographics: Brands need to understand and cater to the preferences of Gen Z and younger consumers, including their interest in fun, colorful, and effective products.
Embrace K-Beauty Innovation: Keep an eye on the evolving trends within K-Beauty, including its expansion into new categories like hair care and fragrances.
Explore AI Integration: Consider how AI can be used to enhance product development, offer personalized recommendations, or create innovative beauty tools for consumers.
Strategic Global Expansion: Brands should carefully evaluate potential international markets, considering factors like consumer demand and trade policies.
Highlight Sustainability: The interest in vegan and plastic-free beauty, particularly in developing markets, suggests a growing need for brands to address sustainability concerns.
Implication for society:
Shifting Beauty Standards: The focus on younger consumers might influence beauty standards and product marketing.
Increased Access to Personalized Beauty: AI-powered tools could make personalized skincare and beauty advice more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
Potential for More Diverse Product Offerings: The expansion of K-Beauty and the focus on natural ingredients from various regions could lead to a more diverse range of beauty products in the market.
Implications for consumers:
More Products Tailored to Younger Consumers: Gen Z and younger individuals can expect to see more beauty products specifically marketed and designed for their preferences.
Wider Range of K-Beauty Options: Consumers will have access to a broader selection of K-Beauty products beyond just skincare.
Opportunity for Personalized Beauty Routines: AI-powered tools could help consumers discover products and routines that are better suited to their individual needs.
Consumer Trend (name, detailed description):
Gen Z Beauty Takeover: This trend signifies the increasing dominance of Generation Z as a key consumer demographic in the beauty industry, with their distinct preferences for playful, colorful, and effective products significantly shaping market trends and brand strategies.
Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description):
K-Beauty Diversification: This sub-trend describes the ongoing evolution of K-Beauty beyond its traditional focus on skincare and body care, expanding into other beauty categories such as hair care, fragrance, and even cosmetics, catering to a broader range of consumer needs and preferences.
Big Social Trend (name, detailed description):
The Technological Revolution in Beauty: The beauty industry is increasingly being impacted by technological advancements, with Artificial Intelligence playing a growing role in various aspects, from product development and personalization to consumer engagement and retail experiences.
Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description):
Global Beauty Innovation and Exchange: The beauty industry is characterized by a constant flow of trends and innovations across international borders, with regions like South Korea (K-Beauty) significantly influencing global markets and consumer preferences.
Social Drive (name, detailed description):
The Desire for Personalized and Effective Beauty Solutions: Consumers are increasingly seeking beauty products and routines that are tailored to their individual needs and deliver noticeable results, driving demand for both innovative formulations and technology-driven personalization.
Learnings for brands to use in 2025 (bullets, detailed description):
Understand Gen Z's Aesthetic: Research and incorporate the preferences of younger consumers for vibrant colors, playful packaging, and engaging brand stories.
Explore Niche Beauty Categories: Look beyond traditional skincare and consider expanding into areas like K-Beauty hair care or children's cosmetics.
Invest in AI for Personalization: Explore how AI can be integrated into product development, diagnostic tools, or personalized recommendation systems.
Stay Informed About Global Trends: Continuously monitor international beauty trends and innovations, particularly from hubs like South Korea.
Prioritize Health and Wellness: Emphasize the connection between beauty and overall health, as highlighted by the interest in ingredients like prebiotics and the pharmaceutical focus mentioned.
Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025 (bullets, detail description):
Develop Product Lines Specifically Targeting Gen Z: Create beauty products with colorful packaging, fun formulations, and marketing campaigns that resonate with younger consumers' values and interests.
Explore Partnerships with K-Beauty Innovators: Collaborate with South Korean beauty brands or manufacturers to bring innovative and trending products to global markets.
Invest in AI-Powered Beauty Tech: Develop or partner with companies offering AI-based tools for skincare analysis, personalized recommendations, or virtual try-on experiences.
Monitor and Adapt to Global Beauty Trends: Establish processes for continuously tracking and responding to emerging beauty trends and innovations from around the world.
Incorporate Ingredients with Health Benefits: Consider formulating products with ingredients known for their health and wellness properties, such as prebiotics, vitamins, and natural extracts.
Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article:
Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025 highlighted an evolving beauty industry characterized by a growing focus on younger consumers, the continued innovation of K-Beauty in diverse categories, and the increasing integration of AI-powered personalization.
What brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it:
In 2025, beauty brands and companies should:
Prioritize connecting with Gen Z consumers: Understand their preferences for fun, effective, and often visually striking products through market research and social media listening.
Continuously innovate and explore global beauty trends, especially from K-Beauty: Look for opportunities to bring unique formulations and product categories to their target markets.
Investigate and integrate AI technologies: Explore how AI can enhance the customer experience through personalized recommendations, virtual consultations, or innovative product development.
Final note:
Core Trend:
Name: The Youth-Driven, Tech-Infused Global Beauty Evolution
Detailed Description: The beauty industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the increasing influence of younger consumers, the global reach and innovation of trends like K-Beauty, and the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence in creating personalized and effective beauty solutions.
Core Strategy:
Name: Embrace Youthful Innovation and Technology
Detailed Description: Beauty brands should adopt a strategy that prioritizes understanding and catering to the preferences of younger demographics, leveraging technological advancements like AI, and staying attuned to global beauty innovations to remain competitive and relevant.
Core Industry Trend:
Name: The Democratization and Personalization of Beauty
Detailed Description: The beauty industry is becoming increasingly democratized with the rise of global trends and independent brands, while also seeing a growing emphasis on personalization driven by consumer demand and technological advancements like AI.
Core Consumer Motivation:
Name: Seeking Fun, Effective, and Personalized Beauty Experiences
Detailed Description: Consumers, particularly younger generations, are motivated by a desire for beauty products that are not only effective but also enjoyable to use, visually appealing, and increasingly tailored to their individual needs and preferences through technological advancements.
Final Conclusion: Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025 provided a clear view into the future of the beauty industry, characterized by a dynamic interplay of youthful influence, global innovation, and technological integration. Brands that can strategically align with these trends, prioritize personalization, and cater to the evolving preferences of consumers, particularly Gen Z, will be best positioned for success in 2025 and beyond.
Core Trend Detailed:
Name: The Youth-Driven, Tech-Infused Global Beauty Evolution
Detailed Summary: The core of this trend is the confluence of several powerful forces reshaping the beauty industry in 2025. Firstly, the increasing influence of younger consumers, particularly Gen Z, who are dictating new preferences for product aesthetics, formulations, and brand values. Secondly, the continued global impact and evolution of beauty trends originating from regions like South Korea (K-Beauty), which are now expanding beyond traditional skincare into a wider array of categories. Thirdly, the transformative role of technology, most notably Artificial Intelligence, which is being integrated across the beauty value chain, from aiding in product development and offering personalized recommendations to creating innovative diagnostic tools for consumers. This evolution signifies a departure from more traditional beauty norms, embracing inclusivity, innovation, and a more personalized approach to beauty that is both accessible and engaging for a diverse and digitally native consumer base. Brands that can effectively navigate this dynamic landscape by understanding and responding to the demands of younger consumers, leveraging global beauty trends, and strategically incorporating technological advancements will be at the forefront of the industry's future growth.
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