Cosmoprof Bologna 2023 is the world’s largest international beauty trade show, bringing together over 2,900 exhibitors and more than 250,000 visitors from around the globe.
The event comprises three trade shows showcasing the latest trends, innovative technologies, and new products in the packaging, fragrances, cosmetics, and hair and nail salon industries.
This blog post will explore five emerging trends at Cosmoprof Bologna 2023, from conscious beauty to baby beauty and beyond, and discuss how businesses can incorporate these trends to stay ahead of the competition and meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers.
Table of Contents
An overview of Cosmoprof Bologna 2023
5 emerging trends
The takeaway from Cosmoprof Bologna
An overview of Cosmoprof Bologna 2023
The expo, held annually in Bologna, Italy, offers a unique opportunity to discover new and innovative products, connect with industry leaders, and stay on top of emerging trends in the beauty industry.
This year, sustainability was a central theme across the show, with many brands showcasing their commitment to eco-friendly and ethical practices.
This event comprises three separate trade shows: Cosmopack, which showcases innovative technologies and new products in the packaging industry, Cosmo Perfumery & Cosmetics, which focuses on fragrances and cosmetics, and Cosmo Hair & Nail & Beauty Salon, which covers everything from hair styling to manicures and spa treatments.
One of the most important reasons businesses should care about the emerging trends at Cosmoprof Bologna 2023 is because they can potentially shape the beauty industry’s future.
By staying on top of these trends and incorporating them into their product offerings and marketing strategies, businesses can gain a competitive edge and better meet consumers’ evolving needs and preferences.
5 emerging trends
Sun care
One trend that was impossible to miss at Cosmoprof Bologna 2023 was the focus on suncare. With growing concerns about skin damage and cancer, consumers seek products that provide effective sun protection without harming the environment.
Brands at the event showcased innovative suncare solutions that are sustainable and cater to a wide range of skin types. Water and sweat resistance were also key features, making suncare products more versatile and practical for outdoor activities.
One brand, SeventyOne Percent, even introduced a unique feature – a highlighted color that shows where the application may have been missed, ensuring complete coverage. As suncare evolves, it is becoming increasingly crucial for brands to offer targeted solutions for different skin types.
This includes diversifying products to offer options for oily, acne-prone, dry, or sensitive skin. Hybrid approaches, such as sunscreen that cools and rejuvenates the skin, are also gaining popularity.
As consumers become more aware of the importance of sun protection, suncare is a trend that is here to stay.
Conscious beauty
Consumers are demanding radical transparency from beauty brands, moving away from generic terms like “clean” beauty and instead seeking certification and proof that products are healthy and sustainable.
Natural ingredients are also a top priority as consumers become more aware of the potential harm caused by synthetic chemicals.
Brands at the event showcased their commitment to conscious beauty through innovative packaging and production methods. Danish brand BEAUHEI::T certified that its skincare production is 100% wind-powered, while Spanish brand Skin Sapiens fully explains each ingredient on its packaging.
As the conscious beauty trend continues to evolve, it’s becoming increasingly crucial for brands to invest in blockchain technology and place QR codes on packaging to communicate with consumers easily.
By providing complete transparency and proof of sustainability, brands can build trust with consumers and establish themselves as leaders in conscious beauty.
Patches and masks
The trend for patches and masks was impossible to miss at Cosmoprof Bologna 2023, with brands showcasing an impressive range of innovative products.
These patches and masks are no longer just cosmetic accessories; they now directly incorporate skincare ingredients, delivering results more efficiently.
Eclectic wellness masks offer lazy solutions for skin minimalists, while brands like Hyunjin from Korea offer hemp patches with balancing magnets to be worn throughout the day.
With a patch or mask available for every skincare concern, cosmetic companies at the event explored categories outside of skincare to innovate.
Patches, in particular, are leading the way in innovation across the mask category, as they can be used in targeted areas to deliver specific results. As this trend evolves, it’s becoming increasingly important for brands to offer unique and innovative products that meet the needs of modern consumers.
Baby beauty
Baby beauty was a major theme at Cosmoprof Bologna 2023, with indie baby and child beauty brands setting the gold standard for sustainable and natural beauty.
These brands are offering sensitive formulations designed to be used by the whole family, providing a safe and gentle option for parents who want to prioritize their children’s health and wellbeing.
Naïf, a brand from the Netherlands, was created by two Dads that wanted to bring natural and sustainable skincare that works for babies, children, and adults.
As this trend evolves, it’s becoming increasingly important for brands to enable children to explore self-expression through their skincare routines while also ensuring that products are safe, natural, and sustainable.
Intimate care
Intimate care is a growing trend in the beauty industry, and brands increasingly focus on developing products for sensitive areas.
Expert-led projects are crucial in this market, as they demonstrate knowledge and build consumer trust.
Initially driven by sex-positive Gen Z and millennial consumers, brands are now broadening their focus to include women experiencing menopause.
Menopause beauty is a thriving market, and brands are becoming more intimate and targeting specific hair and skin types.
One unique product in this category is TRU HYAL 100’s inner beauty stick and personal care, which won a Cosmoprof Award in the personal and body care category.
As this trend continues to evolve, brands can tap into pleasure with purpose and empower consumers to feel confident and comfortable in their bodies.
The takeaway from Cosmoprof Bologna
As the beauty industry continues to evolve and innovate, staying on top of emerging trends and incorporating them into product offerings and marketing strategies is crucial for businesses to gain a competitive edge.
From sustainable suncare and conscious beauty to patches and masks and baby beauty, the emerging trends at Cosmoprof Bologna 2023 offer a glimpse into the industry’s future.
By taking action and investing in innovative technologies and targeted solutions, businesses can position themselves to succeed in an ever-changing market and meet the growing demand for healthy and sustainable beauty products.
