Speed and convenience have become the consumer norm. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, when people worldwide were introduced to instant access to goods and services via apps and digital platforms, the supply and demand considerably grew and splintered. The 'I need it now' culture shows no signs of slowing down, ye...

Once a signifier of luxury or novelty, custom products and services are now within reach of the everyday consumer, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, algorithm-led platforms, and the COVID-era digitisation boom. Today, everyone wants to be the main character of their brand experience.

Tapping into the hype around microbiome products, Unilever has invested in Straand, which creates prebiotic scalp treatments for skintellectuals Down Under. The buzz around pre- and probiotics is fuelling a return to natural ingredients in products, but gaps in consumer knowledge remain.

As people continue to prioritize results and ingredients when it comes to skincare, they want more transparency from brands. Leveraging technology and a desire for personalization, Neutrogena’s 3D-printed supplements are bringing tailor-made solutions to tackle skin concerns.

Skin Series develops garments that provide health benefits to the skin and have less impact on the environment. The brainchild of UK fashion designer and researcher Rosie Broadhead, it offers a window into skin-boosting product ranges and why they could be a hit with ethical consumers.

Throughout the pandemic, skincare companies benefited from consumers having more time on their hands for elaborate self-care routines. As the crisis has abated, people are looking for simple solutions and are moving towards ‘skin rewilding’ – resetting their natural microbiomes while saving time.