Is there anything AI can’t infuse itself into? Not satisfied with just seeping into our phones and wearables, 2026 looks set to be the year AI takes control of our skincare routine.
But what does this really mean for our day-to-day beauty regime? Will AI really become ingrained in our routines and, if so, how?
I’ve dug deep into the world of AI-powered skincare to uncover what’s currently available now, and what 2026 is expected to bring.
What is AI-powered skincare?
Before we dive in, we should probably discuss what AI-powered skincare actually means. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, AI-powered skincare aims to offer individuals hyper-personalised advice and recommendations.
Found via the likes of skin scanners, online quizzes and even smartphone apps (which we’ll dive into later), AI is used to analyse your skin and provide detailed, and most importantly, personalised recommendations based on your needs.
AI in skincare
Although AI-powered beauty and skincare isn’t a new phenomenon, it seems as if it’s really starting to boom. In fact, according to Market Research Future via FFFace Media, the AI-powered beauty tech industry is expected to grow from $26.19 billion in 2024 to a whopping $74.64 billion by 2030.
This increase, according to FFFace, is driven by the growing demand for personalised skincare, real-time diagnostics and virtual try-ons – with the latter estimated to be worth $18.26 billion by 2030.
It makes sense really, as consumers want products that actually work for their skincare needs – and they’re willing to spend on something that’s more likely to work. Before the use of personalisation and AI, the best way to find a routine that worked was through trial and error, which is not only expensive but also often wasteful.
So, where can we find AI-powered skincare tools now? Earlier this year, La Roche-Posay introduced the Spotscan+ Coach iOS and Android app in the UK, which uses AI to analyse your skin via an uploaded selfie and delivers an acne assessment alongside a personalised list of La Roche-Posay product recommendations.
While the fact you’re pushed to try La Roche-Posay products to “fix” your blemishes feels a bit opportunistic from the brand, the assessment was clear and somewhat helpful – albeit humbling.
You may also find AI recommendations at your local salon. Businesses are naturally leveraging the growing demand, as shown with Haut.AI, an AI platform that’s designed to support beauty brands in delivering personalised skincare recommendations to their customers.
Haut.AI is interesting, as it not only offers AI Skin Analysis and Skin.Chat (essentially a chatbot that analyses selfies and offers advice) but the platform also offers virtual skincare try-ons with augmented reality. This, essentially, allows consumers to both receive personalised recommendations and see how their skin could improve with certain products.
Otherwise, you might remember that Samsung unveiled its Micro LED Beauty Mirror earlier this year at CES. Developed with South Korean beauty brand Amorepacific, the Mirror analyses your skin type and delivers an “AI Skin Report” in a matter of minutes.
Although it’s still just a concept, Samsung suggested at CES that the Mirror should become available in 2026.
AI-powered beauty
It’s not just your skincare routine that can utilise AI. If you’ve ever tried to buy foundation, then you’ll know finding a shade that matches your skin tone can feel like an impossible task – especially when doing it online. Fortunately, many brands are turning to AI to ensure you get as close as possible to your shade, and this is set to continue.
While many brands, such as Charlotte Tilbury and even more affordable options like Maybelline, offer AI-powered shade finders that analyse selfies to find the best possible match, there are even dedicated foundations that create custom shades.
Dcypher is a great example of this as, instead of offering a set list of options to choose from, it uses AI to analyse your skin tone and create a custom shade that’s completely bespoke to you. Dycpher explains that it has developed an “AI-powered skin tone measurement system” that combines “advanced colour science with precision-mixing equipment to create made-to-measure foundations”.
Finally, while we mentioned the use of augmented reality (AR) for skincare, it’s increasingly being used with beauty products too. Many brands now allow consumers to virtually try on make-up products from eyeshadows to lipstick shades to ensure they’re buying the right product to best suit their skin.
Opinion
While AI is undoubtedly a controversial tool in itself, with the question of privacy and data sharing still mainly at-large, there’s no denying the convenience of introducing AI into our skincare and beauty regimes.
While traditionally we’re used to a trial and error method with skincare, which usually goes to waste if the product doesn’t work for us, AI promises to provide more personalised results based on your individual needs. This, in theory, should help consumers save money and reduce product waste too.
