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Consumer wants hybrid skincare, tests texture in-store

A consumer's preference for hybrid skincare and in-store texture testing highlights opportunities for UK beauty businesses. Discover how to meet evolving client needs.

Published: June 22, 2026Read Time: 2 minSource: Global Cosmetics News
Consumer wants hybrid skincare, tests texture in-store

Photo by Angelina on Unsplash

A recent interview with Emme highlights shifting consumer expectations for skincare products. He describes combination skin that varies between oily in summer and dry in winter, requiring a flexible approach. This real-world example underscores the need for salon and spa professionals to understand and address seasonal skin changes for their clients.

Emme prefers a simple, effective routine focused on cleansing and hydration, using a double-cleanse method in the evening and minimal steps in the morning. This preference for simplicity reflects a broader consumer desire for uncomplicated yet results-driven skincare. For practitioners, it suggests an opportunity to streamline treatment protocols and product recommendations, focusing on core efficacy rather than overwhelming clients with too many steps.

Significantly, Emme voiced a preference for in-store shopping to physically test product textures, scents, and feel. This hands-on approach is critical for product discovery and demonstrates the enduring value of the physical retail experience. Salon and beauty businesses can leverage this by offering product sampling, guided testing sessions, and knowledgeable staff who can articulate the sensory experience of their offerings, bridging the gap between online browsing and tangible product engagement.

The interview also revealed Emme’s openness to professional aesthetic treatments like lip flips and Botox, with microneedling already scheduled. This indicates a growing acceptance among male consumers for cosmetic procedures, moving beyond traditional skincare. For UK salons and barbers offering aesthetic services, this signals a maturing market and an increasing male client base interested in advanced treatments as part of their grooming and skincare journey.

Emme’s ideal product is a lightweight, moisturising, non-greasy formula with a subtle tint, combining hydration with cosmetic enhancement. This desire for “skinimalist” hybrid products, offering multiple benefits in one convenient package, aligns with current beauty industry trends. Businesses can tap into this demand by curating or developing products that simplify routines while delivering visible results, appealing to consumers seeking efficiency and dual functionality.

This article was written with AI assistance based on original source material.