The beauty eCommerce industry is growing at an exponential rate, with more brands than ever embracing digital-first strategies. As we look towards 2025, it’s essential for beauty brand owners and eCommerce managers to stay ahead of the curve. The key to staying competitive in such a fast-moving market is understanding and adapting to the trends that will define the next few years. From AI-driven personalization to the growing demand for sustainability, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for beauty eCommerce.
Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 trends I believe will shape the beauty eCommerce space in 2025, with examples of brands already leading the charge. By staying on top of these trends, you can ensure your beauty brand remains at the forefront of the industry.
AI-powered personalization is revolutionising the beauty shopping experience. By leveraging customer data, beauty brands can create tailored shopping experiences, from product recommendations to personalised skincare regimens. AI-driven virtual try-ons are becoming more common, with brands like Sephora offering customers the ability to try makeup virtually using their Virtual Artist app. This level of personalization is proven to boost conversion rates—personalised product recommendations can increase conversion by 10–30%.
My opinion:
Investing in AI for hyper-personalization isn’t just nice to have; it’s a competitive necessity. With data-driven insights, you can create highly tailored experiences that lead to more sales and increased customer loyalty.
Sustainability is no longer a trend, it’s a demand. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their purchases, pushing brands to adopt eco-friendly packaging, sustainable sourcing, and transparent supply chains. Brands like Lush and Aveda are pioneers in the sustainable beauty space, promoting environmentally friendly products while making it clear how they’re contributing to reducing their carbon footprint.
My opinion:
The demand for sustainability is only going to grow. In fact, 83% of global consumers say they are willing to pay more for products that are sustainable. If you’re not already thinking about how your beauty brand can go green, you’re missing a significant opportunity.
Influencers and UGC are incredibly powerful in the beauty industry. Consumers are more likely to trust real reviews and recommendations from other users, and brands are increasingly leveraging this. For example, Glossier has built its empire largely on social proof, with customer reviews, photos, and user-generated content integrated seamlessly into their marketing. UGC helps foster trust, increase authenticity, and ultimately drive purchasing decisions.
My opinion:
UGC is the new form of advertisement. When customers see real people enjoying your products, it builds instant credibility. Brands that effectively integrate UGC into their marketing strategies see significantly better conversion rates—up to 4.6% higher than those that don’t.
Subscription boxes and recurring product deliveries are becoming more popular in the beauty industry. Consumers love the convenience of having their favourite products delivered on a regular basis, which helps with customer retention and lifetime value (LTV). Brands like Birchbox have shown how subscription models can help boost revenue and ensure customers keep coming back.
My opinion:
The rise of subscription models is not just a trend—it’s a powerful business model. Beauty subscription box services have experienced a 15-20% year-on-year growth, and recurring revenue offers a much more predictable cash flow for brands.
AR is transforming the beauty eCommerce landscape. Virtual try-ons for makeup, skincare, and hair products are gaining traction, allowing customers to try products before purchasing. Brands like MAC Cosmetics and L’Oréal are already integrating AR technology to offer virtual try-on experiences that help customers see how products will look on them in real-time. This technology improves the buying experience and boosts confidence, which can lead to higher conversion rates—by up to 70%.
My opinion:
AR is the future of beauty shopping. Consumers now expect a “try before you buy” experience, and with AR, you can provide that in a virtual environment. It’s an investment that will pay off in conversion and customer satisfaction.
More beauty brands are cutting out third-party retailers and going direct-to-consumer (DTC). This allows brands to control the entire customer experience—from product discovery to purchase and beyond. Fenty Beauty, for example, has successfully leveraged DTC to provide a seamless shopping experience and build direct relationships with customers. The DTC model also allows brands to personalize marketing and customer outreach more effectively.
My opinion:
DTC is a powerful strategy. It helps brands control their narrative, build stronger relationships with customers, and, ultimately, increase profit margins by eliminating the middleman. Expect to see more beauty brands jumping on this bandwagon in 2025.
As mobile shopping continues to grow, optimizing for mobile is no longer optional. 58% of all online purchases in the UK now come from mobile devices, and beauty eCommerce is no exception. Brands must ensure their websites are mobile-friendly, with seamless checkout processes and mobile-exclusive deals. Websites like Charlotte Tilbury have already perfected the mobile shopping experience, offering fast load times, easy navigation, and mobile-optimised checkout.
My opinion:
If your website isn’t mobile-first, you’re leaving money on the table. With more consumers shopping on their phones than ever before, ensuring a smooth mobile experience is crucial for driving sales.
Beauty tech is a rapidly growing segment. Smart skincare devices, hair care tools, and AI-powered beauty solutions are making waves in the beauty eCommerce space. Brands like Foreo and Philips are incorporating beauty tech into their product offerings, allowing customers to buy devices that integrate with their skincare routines. As more consumers look for products that offer both convenience and innovation, beauty tech is only going to grow.
My opinion:
Beauty tech is a booming niche. Consumers are more tech-savvy than ever, and products that combine beauty with technology are likely to see huge demand. I’d advise beauty brands to start exploring how they can integrate tech into their offerings to stay ahead of the curve.
Social commerce is gaining momentum as platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook introduce in-app purchases and live shopping features. Beauty brands are already using social media to directly drive sales through shoppable posts, live streaming, and in-platform checkout features. For instance, L'Oréal Paris regularly uses Instagram Live to launch new products, driving conversions in real-time.
My opinion:
Social commerce is becoming the norm, and it’s clear that platforms like Instagram and TikTok are reshaping the future of shopping. I’ve seen brands boost their sales by up to 30% by fully integrating social commerce into their strategy.
Consumers are increasingly looking for products that support not only their beauty needs but also their overall well-being. Holistic beauty is on the rise, with wellness-related products like supplements and self-care items gaining popularity. Brands like Huda Beauty are tapping into the health and beauty intersection by offering skincare and wellness products alongside traditional beauty offerings.
My opinion:
Beauty and wellness go hand in hand. The integration of health-focused products into the beauty space is a natural evolution, and I expect it to continue growing. Consumers are more conscious about their overall well-being, and offering products that align with that will pay off in long-term customer loyalty.
The beauty eCommerce landscape in 2025 is poised for massive growth, driven by innovation and shifting consumer preferences. From hyper-personalization and AI-powered shopping experiences to the growing demand for sustainability and wellness-focused products, these trends offer exciting opportunities for beauty brands to stay ahead of the competition.
Ready to embrace the future of beauty eCommerce? Contact us today for a strategy session and learn how you can implement these trends in your store.