Global Beauty Packaging Trends

A recent Mintel article, reported on the latest trends in global Beauty Packaging. Below, we summarise the key points of this article.

Who is Mintel?

Mintel is a worldwide market intelligence agency. Read more about Mintel.

Beauty packaging has always been associated with luxury and elegance. From ancient times, when perfume bottles were crafted in various aesthetic forms, to modern times, there’s a consensus that beauty products should look appealing. Today, AI technology is pushing the boundaries of beauty packaging design. For instance, The House of Guerlain utilized AI to celebrate its 170th anniversary by reimagining its iconic bee bottle from 1853 into 2193 in a digital exhibition.

Integration of AI and Sustainability

Advancing Production Efficiency

AI is set to optimize the manufacturing processes of beauty packaging and enhance product utility for consumers. A significant trend is the combination of AI with sustainability, leading to what is termed “quiet sustainability.” This involves integrating environmental responsibility seamlessly into products without compromising their luxurious appearance.

Increased Ethical Claims

In 2023, 41% of fragrance launches featured ethical and environmental claims, a rise from 18% in 2019. Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainability that does not detract from the product’s aesthetic appeal, compelling manufacturers to embed sustainability in subtle yet effective ways.

Transparency through Technology

Bastille Parfums exemplifies this trend by using AI and RFID technology for transparency. Their Paradis Nuit Eau de Parfum includes a QR code that reveals the full lifecycle of ingredients, from their origin to the packaging details and bottling date.

Emphasis on Clean and Functional Design

Trend Toward Simplicity

There is a growing trend towards clean, simple, and sophisticated packaging in the Beauty and Personal Care (BPC) industry. Consumers are favouring efficacy and functionality over elaborate designs.

Example of Minimalist Packaging

Brands like Malin + Goetz, which focus on cruelty-free skincare, highlight this trend. Their packaging aims to simplify users’ regimes, using minimal and elegant designs that eliminate unnecessary materials, making the product’s effectiveness the primary selling point.

Recyclability Incentives

Encouraging Sustainable Practices

Recyclability is becoming increasingly popular in beauty packaging. Charlotte Tilbury has introduced a user-friendly recycling scheme, offering a 20% discount on new refillable moisturisers when customers return used packaging. This initiative sets a benchmark, as many competitors have yet to offer similar recycling incentives.

Competitive Landscape

Charlotte Tilbury’s competitors, such as Glossier, L’Oreal, Estee Lauder, Anastasia Beverly Hills, and Hourglass, are encouraged to consider the entire lifecycle of their products, including post-use disposal.

Revival of Heritage-Inspired Designs

Nostalgic Appeal

There is a resurgence in heritage-inspired packaging designs, especially in fragrances. These designs draw on nostalgia and classical aesthetics, providing a sense of timeless elegance.

Brand Examples

Officine Universelle Bully exemplifies this trend with packaging that includes classical paintings and gold accents, reflecting ancestral beauty. They incorporate ingredients based on ancient techniques, blending historical allure with modern quiet beauty.

Future Trends and Consumer Expectations

Shift to Simplicity

Consumers are increasingly seeking efficacy and proof of performance from their beauty products, making packaging a key marketing tool. The trend is moving towards simplicity without sacrificing appeal, with AI and heritage-inspired designs likely to play a significant role in upcoming beauty packaging innovations.

Looking Forward

As brands realign their strategies, focusing on improving product lifecycles and essential features, stunning designs created using AI and inspired by historical aesthetics are expected to become more prevalent.