The Rise of “Skinimalism” and “Normcore” – clean beauty market will reach a massive USD 15.4 billion by 2030

For decades, the beauty industry has been fed the idea of more being more: layering makeup with bold colors and dramatic effects. Well, there is a new, powerful cultural shift to an easy aesthetic taken up by a new generation. Enter skinimalism and normcore beauty, movements that celebrate healthy, glowing skin, and a pared-down approach to makeup.

A Disillusionment with Facetune and Filters: Social media undoubtedly holds center stage in the formation of current beauty standards. The constant flow of highly filtered and edited images has set a standard that is unrealistic and mostly unachievable. A 2022 study found that such exposure to social media will have individuals with low self-esteem and dissatisfaction regarding body images, with the most vulnerable victims being young women.

This is where the concept of skinimalism and Normcore beauty can be regarded as a reaction. By going more natural, one is empowered to reclaim the definition of their beauty and disapprove of the pressure on them to lead lives trying to match unattainable online portrayals. 

The Allure of Simplicity: The urgency of the modern world has brought about the need for simplicity in everything, and beauty is no exception. A 2023 Mintel report revealed that 42% of the world's shoppers are currently looking for beauty products that are simple and quick to use. Elaborate makeup routines seem time-consuming and overwhelming.

Skinimalism and Normcore beauty bring in a breath of fresh air, paving the way for a much more relaxed approach hinged on good skin and minimal use of products. This trend goes with the increased need for a more effortless and time-saving approach to beauty. 

The Clean Beauty Boom: There's rising consumer concern about the ingredients being used in the beauty industry. Clean beauty has attached negativity to the non-use of harsh chemicals, parabens, and sulfates due to their perceived negative health impact. This could enhance the need for fewer products, so in the end, the consumer will be at a lesser risk of harmful ingredients.

According to Grand View Research, in 2023, the clean beauty market worldwide will reach a massive USD 15.4 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.1%. This is enormous growth because consumers' demand for this kind of product is rising.

Healthy Skin Power: Beauty are not just about using less makeup but underlining healthy skin. This whole movement is about the realization that you need to take care of the skin so that it shines and your complexion is even. It could be a multistep process involving cleansers, moisturizers, and serums, or it could be a whole lot easier using products with natural ingredients.

Whatever the exact routine, the intent is for the skin to be enhanced from within, to let its natural beauty shine through. 

A Movement for All: The Renaissance of Skinimalism and Normcore Beauty leads toward a real-life positive impact. For instance, look at Olivia, a 28-year-old marketing manager who splurged in time and money, especially on makeup. It was like she had to go all out, flawless and full coverage. She came across the movement of Skinimalism and decided on a more laid-back skincare regimen with a more natural makeup application.

Olivia shares that she feels more confident and comfortable with herself, and it even saves her time and money. These trends are just empowering—making people feel beautiful without the burden of unrealistic expectations.

Shifting Paradigms in Self-Perception: This is more than a move towards reducing makeup use; it represents a broad shift in the culture of self-perception. It is now time for people to celebrate individuality and inner beauty. This is at a time when the body positivity movement is growing, with calls for self-acceptance with all the natural features. On the other hand, the concepts of skinimalism and normcore beauty help drive toward a sense of confidence and feeling beautiful in one's skin, with or without makeup.

Challenges and Countercurrents: These are pretty general positive trends, since the pressure of fitting in, as well as the pursuit of "beauty" standards, though, are still strong. Social media is still very much at it, bombarding users with highly edited pictures that dissonate with the message of self-acceptance. Besides, the vast number of products and techniques make getting into skincare very intimidating for newcomers.

The Future of Beauty: Beauty will continue to become more inclusive and personalized, with brands catering to products that are cleaner and more minimalist and address the preferences of increasingly diverse consumers. Technology may even be part of the play, like personalized recommendations for skincare, for instance. Artificial intelligence-driven apps analyzing skin type and concerns have been surfacing.