French cosmetics group Clarins has introduced an AI-powered skin analysis tool for retail. The device, which is designed to support human consultation, is currently being tested in 20 stores worldwide, including John Lewis on Oxford Street in London, Printemps Haussmann in Paris and the company's own boutiques in Dubai Hills, Milan, Shanghai and New York. The system is designed to support and complement personal advice in-store. The AI Skin Observer uses both biophysical sensors and facial images with different lighting modes to analyse up to 22 skin parameters. The device reveals layers of the skin that are invisible to the naked eye. This provides additional information about the skin and supports the expertise of the cosmetic advice offered in-store.

Mirror, mirror

The Skin Observer is shaped like a mirror and fits into existing consultation tables to enhance manual skin checks. "The AI skin observer is tailored to our sales areas and, thanks to its ease of use, helps consultants to focus entirely on their customers," said Clarins manager Katalin Berenyi. The combination of AI, beauty technology and human consultation improves beauty advice. In addition to stationary applications, Clarins also offers a simplified web version of the skin analysis in several countries, including the USA, France and Great Britain. It is available on the company website and is intended to provide customers with initial assessments of their skin condition.

The result of years of development

According to the company, the AI Skin Observer is the result of years of basic research into skin analysis in Clarins' laboratories and the further development of internal beauty tech expertise in the fields of artificial intelligence and imaging. An ecosystem of start-ups was also involved in the development. Clarins describes the tool as a further development of the brand, which has been combining scientific research, natural ingredients and human expertise since its foundation in 1954.

Source: Clarins