Pro & Cons of AR Face Scanning Technology
The integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and face-scanning technologies has revolutionized the way consumers engage with products and services.
A survey concluded that the global AR market size was valued at USD 31.97 Billion in 2022 and it can reach $88.4 Billion by 2026. This cutting-edge technology has totally changed the skincare industry and allows users to receive personalized skin analysis, virtually try on beauty products, and access tailored skincare regimens. While the benefits are evident, it is crucial to critically examine the pros and cons of AR face scanning in the skin care industry.
Pros of AR Face Scanning Technologies in the Skin Care Industry
Personalized Skin Analysis: AR face scanning technologies can assess an individual's skin condition, identifying concerns such as acne, wrinkles, or dryness. This personalized analysis allows consumers to make informed decisions about skincare products and treatments that address their specific needs.
Virtual Try-Ons: With AR face scanning, consumers can virtually try on different beauty products, such as makeup, sunscreen, and moisturizers. This immersive experience enhances consumer confidence in their purchase decisions, reducing the likelihood of returns and enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
Targeted Skincare Regimens: Leveraging AR face scanning data, skincare brands can create customized regimens tailored to individual skin types and concerns. This personalization can lead to more effective results and customer loyalty.
Cons of AR Face Scanning Technologies in the Skin Care Industry
Data Privacy Concerns: AR face scanning collects sensitive facial data, raising privacy concerns for consumers. It is crucial for companies to prioritize data security and comply with relevant privacy regulations.
Accuracy and Reliability: The accuracy of AR face scanning technologies heavily relies on the quality of algorithms and data. Inaccurate assessments could lead to improper product recommendations and dissatisfied customers.
Racial Bias & Inclusivity: As mentioned above, AR is only as good as the data it was fed. Sadly, many still are not representative enough of darker skin tones. Human Rights Commissioner Edward Santow joined a chorus of voices critical of facial recognition technology, telling the ABC in an interview that it was prone to errors. So, in particular, if you happen to have darker skin, that facial recognition technology is much, much less accurate.
Friction: 70% of online shoppers actually said in a survey conducted by Skin Match Technology, that they do not wish to upload a photo or use the camera. But the issue of AR goes even one step further. To be accurate, you need to have good day light and remove all makeup - so any usage when you are in the office, in the evening at home, or have to remove makeup during the day is not going to give you as a customer and as a business good results.
💡We investigated if consumers can rely on face-scanning technology for accurate product discovery by comparing the results we got using the NYX cosmetics virtual shade finder VS in-store consultations, find out the verdict here
The alternative to AR and Face Scanning
Data-driven beauty tech is the best alternative to face scanning and AR and is more reliable. Beauty e-commerce brands have increasingly turned to Skin Match Technology to enhance their customer experiences and revolutionize the way consumers discover and purchase skin care, hair care, and makeup products.
By relying on data to deliver accurate results it eliminates the chance of factors that deem AR and face scanning unreliable. In our investigation with the NYX shade finder, for example, we found that the color of the foundation depended on so many factors like the lighting of the room one is in while using the camera to determine the shade color, the quality of the camera one has, and so on. Whereas with data-driven beauty tech, there are none of these factors because we rely on solid data.
Skin Match Technology (SMT) has built the biggest and most accurate beauty database in the world, which consists of 100,000 products from 1,500 brands. Furthermore, the SMT beauty database has leveraged ingredient information from those products; 60,000 ingredients which are further sorted and categorized by benefits, Special Features such as Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Micro-plastic-free, Packaging Type, and Consumer Preferences. In terms of colour cosmetics, the SMT database recognizes 112 skin tones, and 10,000 Products in the following Categories: 65% Foundations, 19% Concealers, 5% Tinted Moisturizers, and 5% Face Powders.
This extensive database leaves no room for variables to make any recommendations inaccurate. It is why SMT believes in data-driven beauty tech solutions over AR and facial scanning,
Wanna know more about our data-driven beauty tech solutions?
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Skin Match Technology in the form of a Skin Care Finder allows users to receive personalized skin analysis and product recommendations tailored to their unique skin concerns. By scanning the user's face, the technology can identify specific skin conditions such as acne, dryness, redness, or signs of aging.
This personalized approach increases customer satisfaction and fosters brand loyalty, as consumers witness visible improvements in their skin through targeted product usage.
Brands can expect 30% increase in Conversion Rate
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Hair Care Finder
Skin Match Technology offers a Hair Care Finder that tailors product recommendations to individual hair types and concerns. By analyzing hair texture, density, and scalp condition, the technology can suggest appropriate shampoos, conditioners, and treatments.
This not only ensures customers find products that suit their specific hair needs but also saves them time and money by avoiding trial and error with multiple products.
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Highly Accurate Foundation Matching. 97% of customers are satisfied with the foundation they were recommended.
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The INCI Explainer works well alone but if brands aim to empower their consumers with more information, the Clean Beauty Icons do just that.
By providing ingredient information and then further verifying the clean beauty status of a product with automated Clean Beauty Icons, customers get all the data they need.
💡Did you know?
42 % of consumers feel that they do not get enough information from brands on ingredient safety