Is the big skin care ‘switch off’ happening for Gen Z?
Many new consumer reports and surveys are pointing to the fact that consumers of all age groups are adopting a much more practical attitude when it comes to splashing out on new skin care products.
It appears that more people are demanding proof of efficacy before they part with their cash and buy a new product, and more are turning to dupes with a belief that many are just as good as the ‘real’ version, therefore making these products 'better value for money'.
Google searches for 'easy skincare routine' have recently soared by 1,043%, as the internet is flooded with information overload on skin care products, ingredients, and skin types.
On this note, new research from UK cosmetics brand Tropic Skincare has found that 38% of Gen Zs said they felt overwhelmed when buying skin care products.
The brand also highlighted a recent viral TikTok post from the user @ellengendlermd, which discussed the overcomplication of the skin care market prompting other users to agree in their droves.
Overwhelmed... with unrealistic expectations?
Interestingly, the study also revealed that half (46%) of Gen Z respondents expected to see results from a new skin care product within one week, which could suggest that unrealistic expectations are being set.
Tropic Skincare’s founder and CEO Susie Ma commented on the new findings. “It’s interesting to see that 38% of Gen Z audiences feel overwhelmed when it comes to purchasing skincare, however, with so many products on the market and various myths and misconceptions around the best products to use, it isn’t actually that surprising."
"With so much information at our fingertips, deciding on an effective skincare routine for different skin types can appear complicated,” Ma said.
40% of Gen Z don't use moisturiser
Interestingly, the research also uncovered that 40% of Gen Z did not moisturise their skin daily, which was the most out of any age range.
“Our study found that 28% of Brits don’t apply moisturiser daily. This number shoots up to 40% when looking solely at the Gen Z audience,” continued Ma.
“This might be because they don’t feel there’s a huge reason to use moisturiser at their young age but could also be linked to them feeling overwhelmed and struggling to find the right product for their age, skin type and budget,” she said.
Along with these findings, Tropic Skincare’s study also revealed that:
- 1 in 3 (37%) of Gen Z are not applying SPF everyday
- 40% of Gen Z feel too busy to follow a skincare routine
- Affordable price is the most important factor when buying skincare for those between 18 and 25 years-old
- 37% of Gen Z don’t check the expiry date of skincare products
- Just 13% of 18-25 year-olds admit to being influenced by TikTok into buying skincare, compared to 31% of millennials
- 1 in 4 (23%) of Gen Z consumers are looking for products with ‘anti-aging qualities’ as a priority.
