The market intelligence agency has unveiled its vision of the future of the global beauty and personal care industry in 2026 and beyond.
Mintel predicts that by 2030, beauty will go beyond skin-deep — consumers will expect serums and supplements to double as wellness diagnostics. At the same time, the beauty experience will shift from simply delivering results to regulating mood and evoking emotion, while imperfection will be the new perfection.
Mintel encapsulates these shifts in three key trends: Metabolic Beauty; Sensorial Synergy; and Human Touch Revolution.
Metabolic Beauty marks the convergence of health, technology, and personalization.
According to Andrew McDougall, Director of Beauty & Personal Care Insights at Mintel, 2026 will mark a tipping point as consumers demand products that merge cosmetic benefits with measurable wellness outcomes. Advances in biomarker testing, metabolic monitoring, and bio-intelligent tech will enable skincare and supplements to act as diagnostic tools for energy, hydration, and cellular repair. By 2030, skin and hair will be viewed as key indicators of inner health, reframing beauty as preventative care rather than indulgence.
Sensorial Synergy explores beauty’s shift from performance to experience.
As consumers prioritize emotional wellness, beauty routines are becoming vehicles for mood regulation and mindfulness. Innovations in functional fragrance, neuroscience, and immersive technology such as VR will elevate self-care rituals into multisensory experiences. By 2030, products will be judged not only by visible results but by their ability to evoke emotion and create memorable, feel-good moments—expanding beyond personal care into travel, hospitality, and interior design.
Beyond the Algorithm: The Human Touch Revolution represents a reaction to digital perfection.
The trend reflects the growing fatigue with algorithmic perfection and AI-generated imagery. After a decade dominated by filters and hyper-curated aesthetics, consumers are embracing imperfection, creativity, and authenticity. This movement is not anti-technology but rather a recalibration—celebrating human expression as the ultimate luxury. Brands that spotlight their makers, craft, and honest storytelling will resonate most. By 2030, the most coveted beauty experiences will be those that feel deeply human — emotional, expressive, and impossible to fake.
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