Articles
Articles
Oct 7, 2025
The Future of Beauty Retail
The Future of Beauty Retail
How Digital Tools Are Changing the Way Brands Engage Customers in a Retail Setting
How Digital Tools Are Changing the Way Brands Engage Customers in a Retail Setting
The Emergence of AI-Powered Skin & Hair Scans: Why Brands Are Adopting Digital Tools
The last ten years have witnessed artificial intelligence (AI) and imaging technology transition from clinical dermatology to retail beauty and wellness settings. Today, AI-based skin and hair analysis systems are increasingly finding their way into pharmacies, department stores, salons, and even e-commerce websites. The systems are designed to scan a customer's hair or skin, identify underlying conditions such as dryness, oiliness, pigmentation or thinning hair, and subsequently recommend customized products or treatments.
The speed of assessment, low cost and use of standard cameras on mobile devices have allowed this technology to easily be adapted into large scale retail settings. Big brands are investing big bucks in these technologies as a way to improve their customer engagement:
L'Oréal has developed its ModiFace AI-based skin diagnostic, which is launched in beauty retail counters worldwide and through partner retailers online. Consumers simply take a picture and receive instant product suggestions
Shiseido has introduced AI-based skincare analysis mirrors in its Tokyo flagship stores, enabling consumers to try out "virtual consultations" and obtain customized skincare regimens
Procter & Gamble's Olay Skin Advisor uses a mobile-based AI system that examines selfies to provide product suggestions in real-time online, driving both online and in-store sales.
Through such advanced experiences, brands not only increase consumer engagement but also gain trust as recommendations appear science-backed and personalized.
Consumer Demand for Personalized Beauty Care: How Brands Can Stay Competitive
Consumers no longer expect one-size-fits-all beauty care today. They want solutions catered for their specific skin or hair problems, and digital scanning products allow brands to do this at scale.
Personalization generates loyalty: If a consumer feels that a brand "understands" their specific skin type or hair problem, then they are more likely to purchase their products
Increased conversion rates: Digital scans create a guided retail experience by providing personalised product suggestions based on the scan results. Consumers have a higher likelihood of purchasing products recommended to them, reducing hesitation and increasing sales
Insight-driven data: Brands receive useful anonymous data about consumers and are able to leverage on this data to tailor product lines and marketing campaigns to match skin and hair trends among target users.
Commercially, companies are seeing success using these tools and are expanding their use. For example, P&G's Olay Skin Advisor saw a 2x increase in conversion rate among users of the AI feature as opposed to non-users. ModiFace by L'Oréal is now also a staple feature in their direct-to-consumer retail channels, both offline and online.
This technology is changing the nature of consumer interaction—skincare shopping is not simply a product selection process; it is now an interactive, diagnosis-based process.
How Digital Skin Analysis is Changing the Customer Engagement Model in the Beauty & Wellness Industry
The application of artificial intelligence in skin analysis technology is changing the way beauty and wellness brands interact with consumers. This disruption to conventional consumer engagement happens on different levels:
Guidance to action: Instead of generic salesperson guidance, customers are now being presented with individual-specific, data-driven insights in mere seconds, resulting in a more targeted and personalised engagement with the brand.
Integration with treatments: AI scans are increasingly being adopted by spas and clinics as the first step in a treatment journey, ensuring treatments and products recommendations that are hyper-personalized.
Syncing Retail to Virtual Experiences: Shoppers can start in-store with a scan, track progress via a brand's mobile app, and replenish products easily online.
Progress Tracking: Conducting scans before and after using a company's skincare product enables customers to monitor results and outcomes associated with its use. This drives continued customer engagement and brand loyalty.
As an example, AI Skin Diagnostic from Perfect Corp is used by skin care companies, dermatologists, and beauty spas worldwide. Not only does it recommend customers the right products, but it also tracks improvement over time, boosting customer engagement and experiences.
Real-World Deployment: Where These Tools Are Being Used
The utility and ease-of-deployment for these skin assessment products make them ideal for use in high traffic and visibility settings.
Pharmacy Retail Settings: No7 skin analysis machines have been tested by Boots (UK) in a number of outlets, where customers have their skin scanned and are subsequently advised to purchase tailored skincare items from the No7 brand. The initiative has succeeded in linking in-store advice with online follow-ups, allowing shoppers to continue tracking their skincare online and repeat purchases through Boots' online store.
Public Kiosks: In Japan, Shiseido has tested skin analysis kiosks within shopping malls and train stations, providing quick and on-the-go diagnoses to commuters and shoppers.
Department Stores & Beauty Counters: Sephora employs AI skin and shade-matching capabilities in a few flagship stores, guiding customers to the proper foundation or skincare routine.
Salons & Hair Clinics: Firms such as Henkel (Schwarzkopf Professional) use scalp and hair analysis equipment in salons to suggest customized hair treatments and products.
Online & Mobile Platforms: Online purchase-focused assessment tools like Olay Skin Advisor and Perfect Corp's YouCam allow users to perform in-home scans using only a smartphone, which can then easily access online shopping destinations for the recommended products.
Final Thoughts
AI-powered skin and hair analysis is no longer a tool relying on costly equipment. The use of mobile cameras has made these tools highly accessible and is powering its rapid expansion in the retail sector.
By combining technology, personalization, and convenience together into one package, these digital analysis tools are changing the way consumers interact with beauty brands, and are reshaping the strategies that drive conversions, sales and brand loyalty.
The brands that act quickly will not only meet increasing demands for personalization but will also become leaders in the next era of beauty retail.
Peach Health and Digital Skin & Hair Scanning Products
Peach Health is partner for firms in Asia looking for convenient access to a portfolio of digital health offerings. We acquire the rights to innovative new technology and commercialise its use in the region.
The Company has licensed a scanning technology that contains a portfolio of rapid scans covering skin, hair, dental, eye and health vitals. The product uses a standard camera on a mobile phone or tablet and performs a rapid 30 – 60 second scan that covers multiple variables for each area of the body scanned.
The ease of deployment allows the product to be used in multiple settings, including onsite retail screening kiosks or in promotional stands as a customer lead generator. Peach Health offers a full turnkey solution and can fully support the use of the product including providing training, promotional and other staff to support onsite deployments.
To learn more reach out to support@peachhealthasia.com
The Emergence of AI-Powered Skin & Hair Scans: Why Brands Are Adopting Digital Tools
The last ten years have witnessed artificial intelligence (AI) and imaging technology transition from clinical dermatology to retail beauty and wellness settings. Today, AI-based skin and hair analysis systems are increasingly finding their way into pharmacies, department stores, salons, and even e-commerce websites. The systems are designed to scan a customer's hair or skin, identify underlying conditions such as dryness, oiliness, pigmentation or thinning hair, and subsequently recommend customized products or treatments.
The speed of assessment, low cost and use of standard cameras on mobile devices have allowed this technology to easily be adapted into large scale retail settings. Big brands are investing big bucks in these technologies as a way to improve their customer engagement:
L'Oréal has developed its ModiFace AI-based skin diagnostic, which is launched in beauty retail counters worldwide and through partner retailers online. Consumers simply take a picture and receive instant product suggestions
Shiseido has introduced AI-based skincare analysis mirrors in its Tokyo flagship stores, enabling consumers to try out "virtual consultations" and obtain customized skincare regimens
Procter & Gamble's Olay Skin Advisor uses a mobile-based AI system that examines selfies to provide product suggestions in real-time online, driving both online and in-store sales.
Through such advanced experiences, brands not only increase consumer engagement but also gain trust as recommendations appear science-backed and personalized.
Consumer Demand for Personalized Beauty Care: How Brands Can Stay Competitive
Consumers no longer expect one-size-fits-all beauty care today. They want solutions catered for their specific skin or hair problems, and digital scanning products allow brands to do this at scale.
Personalization generates loyalty: If a consumer feels that a brand "understands" their specific skin type or hair problem, then they are more likely to purchase their products
Increased conversion rates: Digital scans create a guided retail experience by providing personalised product suggestions based on the scan results. Consumers have a higher likelihood of purchasing products recommended to them, reducing hesitation and increasing sales
Insight-driven data: Brands receive useful anonymous data about consumers and are able to leverage on this data to tailor product lines and marketing campaigns to match skin and hair trends among target users.
Commercially, companies are seeing success using these tools and are expanding their use. For example, P&G's Olay Skin Advisor saw a 2x increase in conversion rate among users of the AI feature as opposed to non-users. ModiFace by L'Oréal is now also a staple feature in their direct-to-consumer retail channels, both offline and online.
This technology is changing the nature of consumer interaction—skincare shopping is not simply a product selection process; it is now an interactive, diagnosis-based process.
How Digital Skin Analysis is Changing the Customer Engagement Model in the Beauty & Wellness Industry
The application of artificial intelligence in skin analysis technology is changing the way beauty and wellness brands interact with consumers. This disruption to conventional consumer engagement happens on different levels:
Guidance to action: Instead of generic salesperson guidance, customers are now being presented with individual-specific, data-driven insights in mere seconds, resulting in a more targeted and personalised engagement with the brand.
Integration with treatments: AI scans are increasingly being adopted by spas and clinics as the first step in a treatment journey, ensuring treatments and products recommendations that are hyper-personalized.
Syncing Retail to Virtual Experiences: Shoppers can start in-store with a scan, track progress via a brand's mobile app, and replenish products easily online.
Progress Tracking: Conducting scans before and after using a company's skincare product enables customers to monitor results and outcomes associated with its use. This drives continued customer engagement and brand loyalty.
As an example, AI Skin Diagnostic from Perfect Corp is used by skin care companies, dermatologists, and beauty spas worldwide. Not only does it recommend customers the right products, but it also tracks improvement over time, boosting customer engagement and experiences.
Real-World Deployment: Where These Tools Are Being Used
The utility and ease-of-deployment for these skin assessment products make them ideal for use in high traffic and visibility settings.
Pharmacy Retail Settings: No7 skin analysis machines have been tested by Boots (UK) in a number of outlets, where customers have their skin scanned and are subsequently advised to purchase tailored skincare items from the No7 brand. The initiative has succeeded in linking in-store advice with online follow-ups, allowing shoppers to continue tracking their skincare online and repeat purchases through Boots' online store.
Public Kiosks: In Japan, Shiseido has tested skin analysis kiosks within shopping malls and train stations, providing quick and on-the-go diagnoses to commuters and shoppers.
Department Stores & Beauty Counters: Sephora employs AI skin and shade-matching capabilities in a few flagship stores, guiding customers to the proper foundation or skincare routine.
Salons & Hair Clinics: Firms such as Henkel (Schwarzkopf Professional) use scalp and hair analysis equipment in salons to suggest customized hair treatments and products.
Online & Mobile Platforms: Online purchase-focused assessment tools like Olay Skin Advisor and Perfect Corp's YouCam allow users to perform in-home scans using only a smartphone, which can then easily access online shopping destinations for the recommended products.
Final Thoughts
AI-powered skin and hair analysis is no longer a tool relying on costly equipment. The use of mobile cameras has made these tools highly accessible and is powering its rapid expansion in the retail sector.
By combining technology, personalization, and convenience together into one package, these digital analysis tools are changing the way consumers interact with beauty brands, and are reshaping the strategies that drive conversions, sales and brand loyalty.
The brands that act quickly will not only meet increasing demands for personalization but will also become leaders in the next era of beauty retail.
Peach Health and Digital Skin & Hair Scanning Products
Peach Health is partner for firms in Asia looking for convenient access to a portfolio of digital health offerings. We acquire the rights to innovative new technology and commercialise its use in the region.
The Company has licensed a scanning technology that contains a portfolio of rapid scans covering skin, hair, dental, eye and health vitals. The product uses a standard camera on a mobile phone or tablet and performs a rapid 30 – 60 second scan that covers multiple variables for each area of the body scanned.
The ease of deployment allows the product to be used in multiple settings, including onsite retail screening kiosks or in promotional stands as a customer lead generator. Peach Health offers a full turnkey solution and can fully support the use of the product including providing training, promotional and other staff to support onsite deployments.
To learn more reach out to support@peachhealthasia.com