Technology Promises Personalized Skincare, With Mixed Results So Far

A wave of technology promises to personalize skincare, using AI-driven skin analysis and custom-blended formulations to tailor routines to the individual. The results so far are intriguing but uneven.

The pitch is appealing: instead of guessing among countless products, a shopper uploads a photo or completes an assessment and receives recommendations, or even a formula, matched to their specific skin. Several brands have built businesses on the idea.

Promise and limits

The analysis tools vary in sophistication and accuracy. At their best, they help people identify concerns and cut through the overwhelming array of choices. At their weakest, they function as elaborate marketing that steers buyers toward a brand's own line.

Dermatologists offer measured encouragement. Technology can aid personalization, they say, but the fundamentals of good skincare are well established and not that individualized: gentle cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection, and targeted treatment for specific issues.

A tool, not a replacement

The consensus is that these tools are best treated as a starting point rather than a verdict. For persistent or serious skin concerns, experts note, a consultation with a professional still outperforms any algorithm, and probably will for some time.