The market research firm has disclosed its forecast for the global beauty and personal care sector in 2026 and onward.
Mintel anticipates that by 2030, beauty will delve deeper than surface level — consumers will expect serums and supplements to function as wellness assessments. Simultaneously, the beauty encounter will evolve from simply producing outcomes to modulating mood and eliciting emotion, while flaws will be the new standard.
Mintel groups these changes into three central trends: Metabolic Beauty; Sensorial Synergy; and Human Touch Revolution.
Metabolic Beauty signifies the merging of health, technology, and customization.
According to Andrew McDougall, Director of Beauty & Personal Care Insights at Mintel, 2026 will represent a pivotal moment as consumers seek products that blend cosmetic advantages with quantifiable wellness results. Progress in biomarker analysis, metabolic observation, and bio-intelligent technology will allow skincare and supplements to serve as diagnostic instruments for energy, hydration, and cellular restoration. By 2030, skin and hair will be perceived as vital signs of internal health, redefining beauty as proactive care rather than indulgence.
Sensorial Synergy examines beauty’s transformation from function to encounter.
As consumers emphasize emotional well-being, beauty regimens are turning into channels for mood management and mindfulness. Advancements in functional fragrance, neuroscience, and immersive technology like VR will elevate self-care practices into comprehensive experiences. By 2030, products will be assessed not only by apparent results but by their capacity to inspire emotion and generate memorable, positive feelings—extending beyond personal care into travel, hospitality, and interior design.
Beyond the Algorithm: The Human Touch Revolution embodies a response to digital perfection.
This trend showcases the rising weariness of algorithmic precision and AI-produced visuals. Following a decade defined by filters and intensely curated appearances, consumers are welcoming imperfections, originality, and genuineness. This movement isn’t opposed to technology but rather a readjustment—celebrating human expression as the ultimate luxury. Brands that highlight their creators, craftsmanship, and truthful narratives will resonate the most. By 2030, the most desirable beauty experiences will be those that feel deeply human — emotive, expressive, and impossible to replicate.
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