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Writer's pictureInsightTrendsWorld

Insight of the Day: Understanding the Radicality of Gen Z

Detailed Findings:

  • Gen Z wields significant spending power (over $450 billion globally).

  • They prioritize authenticity, sustainability, and inclusivity over brand prestige and traditional marketing.

  • They favor impulse purchases driven by social media, particularly TikTok.

  • Traditional advertising methods are becoming less effective with this generation.

  • They value transparency, ethical practices, and ingredient sourcing.

  • Brands are adopting strategies like limited-edition drops, collaborations, and personalized products to capture their attention.

  • Physical stores are integrating digital elements to create hybrid shopping experiences.

  • Seamless e-commerce is a necessity for reaching Gen Z online.

  • Gen Z's influence is trickling up to older generations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Gen Z has disrupted the beauty industry, forcing brands to adapt and innovate.

  • Authenticity, transparency, and values-driven practices are crucial for engaging this generation.

  • Social media, particularly TikTok, plays a significant role in their purchasing decisions.

Trends (with Sub-Trends):

  • Social Commerce:

    • Impulse purchases driven by social media (especially TikTok).

    • Seamless e-commerce integration on platforms like TikTok Shop.

    • Influence of micro and nano influencers.

  • Authenticity and Transparency:

    • Value for real stories and unfiltered content.

    • Rejection of glossy campaigns and celebrity endorsements.

    • Emphasis on ethical practices and ingredient sourcing.

  • Values-Driven Consumption:

    • Preference for environmentally conscious brands (62% preference, 73% willing to pay more).

    • Demand for inclusivity and representation.

  • Experiential Marketing:

    • Limited-edition drops and exclusive collaborations.

    • Hyper-personalized products.

    • Raw storytelling and authentic content.

    • Hybrid shopping experiences (integrating digital elements in physical stores).

Consumer Motivation:

  • Desire for authentic and relatable content.

  • Need for self-expression and connection to their values.

  • Demand for transparency and ethical practices from brands.

  • Convenience and speed in purchasing.

What is Driving the Trend:

  • Influence of social media and digital platforms.

  • Increased awareness of social and environmental issues.

  • A desire for more meaningful and personalized experiences.

Motivation Beyond the Trend (Deeper Needs):

  • A search for identity and belonging in a complex world.

  • A desire to make a positive impact through their purchasing decisions.

  • A need for trust and transparency in their relationships with brands.

People the Article is Referring To:

  • Generation Z consumers (born roughly 1997-2012).

  • Beauty brands and retailers.

  • Marketing professionals and industry experts.

Description of Consumers, Products, or Services:

  • Digitally native young consumers with significant spending power.

  • Beauty products and services.

  • Social media platforms (TikTok, Instagram).

  • E-commerce platforms and hybrid retail experiences.

Age of Consumers:

  • Roughly 12-27 years old in 2024 (therefore 13-28 in 2025).

Conclusions:

  • Gen Z has fundamentally changed the beauty industry, demanding a shift towards authenticity, transparency, and values-driven practices.

  • Brands must adapt their strategies to meet these new demands to remain relevant and competitive.

Implications for Brands:

  • Prioritize authenticity and transparency in marketing and communication.

  • Embrace social media and create engaging content.

  • Focus on sustainability and ethical practices.

  • Offer personalized products and experiences.

  • Involve Gen Z in product development and marketing strategies.

Implications for Society:

  • Increased pressure on businesses to adopt sustainable and ethical practices.

  • Greater emphasis on authenticity and inclusivity in advertising and media.

Implications for Consumers:

  • More access to authentic and transparent brands.

  • Greater opportunities for self-expression and connection to their values.

Implication for Future:

  • The beauty industry will become increasingly digital, personalized, and values-driven.

  • Gen Z's influence will continue to shape consumer behavior across other industries.

Consumer Trend: Values-Driven Consumption, Social Commerce

Consumer Sub-Trends: Authentic Marketing, Sustainable Purchasing, Inclusive Representation, Impulse Buying (Social Media Driven)

Big Social Trend: Rise of Social Media Influence, Increased Social and Environmental Awareness

Local Trend: N/A (article focuses on global trends)

Worldwide Social Trend: Global interconnectedness through social media, shared concerns about social and environmental issues.

Name of the Big Trend Implied by Article: The Authentic and Conscious Consumer

Name of Big Social Trend Implied by Article: The Socially Conscious Digital Age

Social Drive: A desire for authenticity, transparency, and positive social impact.

Learnings for Companies to Use in 2025:

  • Authenticity and transparency are non-negotiable.

  • Social media is a crucial platform for reaching Gen Z.

  • Values-driven marketing is essential for building trust and loyalty.

Strategy Recommendations for Companies to Follow in 2025:

  • Create authentic and engaging content for social media platforms.

  • Be transparent about their business practices and ingredient sourcing.

  • Partner with micro and nano influencers who resonate with Gen Z.

  • Involve Gen Z in product development and marketing strategies.

Final Sentence (Key Concept): Gen Z's radical approach to consumerism, driven by a demand for authenticity, transparency, and values-driven practices, is reshaping the beauty industry and setting a new standard for brand engagement, requiring companies to adapt and align with these values to build lasting connections.

What Brands & Companies Should Do in 2025 and How:

  • Prioritize authentic storytelling: Share real stories about their brand, products, and values. Avoid overly polished or staged content.

  • Engage with Gen Z on social media: Create engaging content that resonates with their interests and values. Partner with relevant influencers.

  • Be transparent about their practices: Provide clear information about ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and ethical standards.

  • Involve Gen Z in product development: Conduct surveys, focus groups, and other research to understand their needs and preferences.

By implementing these strategies, brands can effectively connect with Gen Z and build long-term relationships based on trust and shared values.

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