Monthly search volume for “AI skincare” has hit 733,000, according to data analysed by Fresha, the beauty and wellness booking platform. The figure represents a 2,647% year-on-year increase, driven by growing interest in selfie-based skin analysis apps, AI-assisted treatment devices and algorithm-led product recommendation engines.
The category covers a broad range of products. At the simpler end, apps ask users to upload a photograph and then assess visible features such as tone, texture, pores and blemishes before suggesting a routine. More advanced tools connect to at-home devices that adjust treatments based on user input, while a newer tier of “predictive skin tech” attempts to forecast how skin may respond to specific ingredients over time.
People are faced with thousands of products, so anything that claims to make skincare feel more tailored instantly becomes appealing.
Louise added a note of caution, however. “A lot of these tools are designed to support skincare decisions, not replace proper expert advice. They should not be treated as a shortcut to diagnosing more serious skin concerns.”
The practical value of the current generation of tools lies mostly in narrowing product choices and bringing structure to routines — useful for consumers overwhelmed by a saturated market. Where the technology falls short is anything involving persistent conditions: acne, rosacea, unexplained irritation, sudden pigmentation changes or inflammation.
If someone is dealing with chronic breakouts, inflammation, sensitivity or sudden changes in their skin, that is where proper human expertise matters.
The surge sits within a wider pattern of consumer interest in personalisation technology. Whether AI skincare tools prove to be a lasting product category or a trend that plateaus once novelty fades will depend on how quickly the underlying analysis improves beyond surface-level assessments.
